Domaine Bousquet’s journey to becoming truly sustainable is a testament to the power of vision and sustainable practices in cultivating a better future versus the often-used “greenwashing” tactics. The story begins with Jean Bousquet, a third-generation French winemaker, who discovered the untapped potential of Argentina’s Gualtallary Valley in 1990. Despite the challenges of developing an undeveloped area with no electricity or water, Jean saw the promise in its high altitude and unique terroir. This initial decision was the foundation for becoming a leading force in global organic wine production.
Over the past 25 years, Domaine Bousquet has not only realized but surpassed its initial goals, embodying a commitment to value-oriented, biodynamic, and organic winemaking. Under the leadership of Anne Bousquet and her husband, Labid Al Ameri, the winery has embraced a holistic approach to sustainability, becoming a B Corp certified winery while focusing on environmental, social, and economic pillars. Their “Cultivating for a Better Future” initiative demonstrates a deep-rooted dedication to water preservation and improving carbon footprint, setting a new standard for responsible winemaking in Argentina and beyond.
When I talked to Anne a few years ago, she set a significant goal called “Cultivating for a Better Future: One Pillar at a Time,” with a three-pillar commitment to environmental, social, and economic aspects. Beyond the ongoing work, she emphasized water preservation and improving the winery’s carbon footprint.
Recently, they released a half-yearly report on their sustainability program to date and they have made significant progress in bottle weight, which means significantly less CO2 is emitted during production, and fewer raw materials are used. In the first six months of 2024, the winery’s production of still wines in lightweight bottles (less than 420 g) increased to 95%, up from 74% in 2023. Including sparkling wines, the figures also rose, reaching 92% in the first six months of this year, compared with 71% the year prior. Recycling and compost also showed big gains.
I had the chance to try several of Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon wines across the Uco Valley as well as one Cabernet Franc. Many of the blends contained a small percentage of Merlot (no more than 15 percent) and different brands within the family. The wines are certified USDA Organic and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC). Domaine Bousquet’s Cabernet Sauvignon wines are distinguished by several key characteristics that reflect the unique terroir of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina – mainly high elevations and diurnal temperatures
- 2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon – this is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec. I tasted plum, blackberry, cherry, cassis and spice.
- 2018 Gaia Cabernet Franc is smooth balancing earth and fruit. I tasted blackberry, boysenberry, blueberry and dark chocolate with notes of terroir and spice.
- 2022 Alavida by Domaine Bousquet Mevushal Organic Kosher Cabernet Sauvignon had notes of tobacco, red and black fruit and a spice I couldn’t identify.
- 2021 Domaine Bousquet Premium Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021- Dark ruby color. Intense red berry notes mixed with spice and mineral notes. The palate is packed with ripe concentrated red and black fruit flavors with hints of black pepper and mineral notes
- 2021 Ameri by Domain Bousquet – this wine was named after co-owner Labid and known as their flagship wine. It is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot that come from a single vineyard using the best clusters at the highest elevation. I tasted black cherry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, and spice notes.
The winery’s commitment to environmental, social, and economic pillars is evident in its numerous certifications, including USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), and B Corp. The recent sustainability report highlights significant progress in reducing carbon footprint by using lightweight bottles, increased recycling, and composting. The wines showcase the unique terroir of the Uco Valley with rich, complex flavors that reflect the winery’s dedication to quality and sustainability.
