Review: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Chardonnay

I’ve mentioned before that I seek out high altitude wines because I tend to find wines made from grapes grown at higher altitude to be more lively, elegant, interesting and, in a nutshell, more enjoyable. But it’s not as simple as, “all high altitude wines are good” or “all low altitude wines are bad.” Altitude plays a factor, but there are other factors at play too.

Wine grapes tend to produce more interesting wines when the vines struggle, that is to say the ground can’t be too fertile or the water too plentiful. Regions where this is the case are often warm regions, but too much heat isn’t good for the grapes. Altitude is beneficial in these regions as the temperatures are cooler the higher you go. Grapes also do well with diurnal temperature swings, where the temperature at night is significantly cooler than the temperature during the day. Warmer temperatures during the daytime cause the grapes to create sugars while the cool temperatures at night cause the grapes to develop acidity. Having the right balance of sugars and acidity is a key factor in creating a delicious and vibrant wine.

But altitude alone doesn’t create the right conditions. You need to have the right temperatures (i.e., not too hot and not too cold), the right type of soil (i.e., good drainage and not too fertile), the right sun exposure, the right airflow, the right humidity, and the right amount of water at the right times.

The Domaine Bousquet vineyards in the Gualtallary Valley in Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina have the right conditions. Their vineyards are at 4,000 feet, with daily temperature swings of about 59°, sandy soils, very low humidity and a reliable water source. What they produce from it are lively, fresh and flavorful wines, like this Reserve Chardonnay.

This wine has a lot of complexity and freshness. Lemon, green apple, melon and vanilla aromas deliver a complex and pleasant nose. On the palate this wine is pure tasty, with vibrant green apple, lemon, almond and melon flavors with a silky mouthfeel. The finish is long with green apple and lemon flavors and a touch of saltiness.

Wine: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2018
Alcohol: 14.5%
Rating: 90
Price: $18.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.