Gaia Wines from Domaine Bousquet

Gaia, the Greek goddess of the Earth, has been the Bousquet family’s inspiration since founding the winery in 1997. Gaia labels depict the goddess in a festive headdress of colorful fruits and flowers.

Gaia wine are crafted with French winemaking sensibility and made from 100% organic fruit grown at a cool 4000 foot altitude.

Gaia (Guy-uh) red and white blend wines are a multi-varietal cornucopia of estate-grown grapes. This Old World tradition of blending varieties is updated to highlight modern, non-classic New World pairings. The primary grape comprises around 50% of the mix. With each year’s vintage, the bounty from the estate is blended a bit differently to reflect what Mother Nature has offered.

So, if you are looking for reasonably priced red wines from Argentina, look no further! Here are four options that offer incredible value without compromising on flavor:

2020 Gaia Organic Red Blend ($20) - This wine was produced from 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented with selected yeast for 12 days with Maceration for 14 days. It was then aged for 10 months in French oak. It is medium purple in color with subtle aromas of red and black fruits. On the palate, this full-bodied red blend has flavors of black fruit and green peppercorn, with firm tannin. (14.5% ABV, 5.32 g/L Acidity, pH = 3.67 and 2.2 g/L Residual Sugar)

2020 Gaia Cabernet Franc ($20) - This organic wine was produced from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. They were fermented with selected yeasts for 12 days with Maceration for 14 days. It was then aged in French oak for 10 months. It is medium purple in color with a strawberry jam and red fruit aromas. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of rich strawberry and raspberry along with tart cherry, firm tannin, good acidity and a hint of tartness on the finish. (14.5% ABV, 5.77 g/L Acidity, pH = 3.68 and 2.16 g/L Residual Sugar)

2019 Gaia Malbec ($20) - This organic wine was produced from 100% Malbec. It was fermented with selected yeasts for 12 days with Maceration for 14 days. It was then aged in French oak for 8-10 months. It is medium purple in color with bold aromas of blackberry and blueberry. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black and red fruits, smooth tannin and a wonderful finish. (14.6% ABV, 5.85 g/L Acidity, pH = 3.58 and 2.56 g/L Residual Sugar). This wine was given 91 points by Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling.

Gaia Cabernet Sauvignon ($20) - This wine was produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was fermented for 15 days with Maceration taking place for a full 30 days. It was then aged for 8-10 months in French oak. It is deep purple in color with aromas of sweet and jammy red and black fruits. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black cherry with firm tannin. (14.5% ABV, 5.32 g/L Acidity, pH = 3.67 and 2.2 g/L Residual Sugar)

Overall, these four reasonably priced and widely available wines from Gaia showcase the country's diverse and vibrant wine scene, offering a range of flavors and styles to suit every palate. Thus, they are a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week! Decant each of these for at least one hour before serving, then enjoy! Cheers!

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2021 Virgen Natural Red Blend ($13)

Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned winery in Mendoza, Argentina that is nestled in the mountain community of Tupungato. Their wine is organic and vegan. From the vine to the processing of the grapes to their focus on biodiversity and permaculture, their wine sets the standard for elegant, sustainable organic wine that is perfect for a gathering with friends or a quiet evening at sunset.

Domaine Bousquet “Virgen” wines are pure, not only made from organic fruit but has no sulfites added, thereby qualifying for fully organic USDA certification.

This Virgen Natural Red Blend is produced from 35% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. It undergoes cold maceration for 48 hours and fermentation for 10 days with indigenous and selected yeasts. It sees no oak aging.

This wine is deep purple in color with medium aromas of dark fruit and some peppery notes. On the palate, this dry wine has nice red and black fruit flavors including tart cherry along with medium tannin and acidity.

This is a tasty wine at a great price that fits right in as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Alcohol: 14%, Acidity-pH: 5.62/3.68, Residual Sugar: 1.84 gm/L

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2019 Beronia Crianza ($14.99)

This Beronia Crianza, from the Rioja region of Spain. Their innovative nature led them to pioneer the use of mixed oak barrels, a combination of American oak staves and French oak ends. The marriage of the two results adds a unique combination of complex aromas and flavors. American oak is widely used throughout Rioja. Hard and almost impermeable, but with a looser grain, it imparts pronounced flavors of vanilla, coconut and sweet spice. The grain of French oak is much finer than its American counterpart, and gives more subtle flavors and toasty, nutty characteristics. French oak also contributes to the soft, silken tannins found in aged red wines.

This Beronia Crianza is made primarily from Tempranillo, along with just a bit of Garnacha and Mazuelo (a.k.a. Carignan). By Rioja regulations, a Crianza (“kree-ahn-tha”) wine must be aged for a total of two years with at least one year in oak barrels. In the case of this wine, it was aged over a year in the mix oak barrels. It was then bottled and left to rest for three months prior to its release.

This wine is medium ruby in color and has nice aromatics including red fruits (cherry and raspberry) and herbal notes. On the palate this Beronia Crianza has big red fruit flavors, medium tannin and a really nice lingering finish with a bit of crisp acidity.

This Beronia Crianza Rioja is imported by González Byass USA and nicely fits as an affordable and attainable Behind the Cork™ wine of the week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by González Byass via Donna White Communications

The Wines of Beronia

Nestled in the heart of la Rioja Alta region of Spain, the Beronia winery sits beneath a plant-covered roof, partially underground, and blends seamlessly into the hillside to preserve the natural beauty of the landscape. From their initial design conception and build of the winery to the geo-thermal temperature control and efficient waste management, every care is taken at Beronia to preserve nature’s balance. Sustainability is integral to their philosophy of producing great wines.

2022 Beronia Rosé ($12.99): This rosé produced from 60% Tempranillo and 40% Garnacha. It is pale salmon in color with delicate aromas of cherry and strawberry. On the palate, the light-bodied, dry rosé (13% ABV) has delicate flavors of candied cherry and strawberry, refreshing acidity and an easy finish.

2019 Beronia Reserva ($24.99): This Beronia Reserva is produced from 95% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo. It is pale purple in color with medium-high intensity aromas of black fruits, especially cherry. On the palate, this full-bodied Reserva has flavors of black cherry, black berry, medium tannin and distinct notes of oak from spending at least one year in oak, per the requirements for a “Reserva” wine in Rioja.

2015 Beronia Gran Reserva ($29.99): This Gran Reserva is produced from 94% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo. It is medium purple in color. On the nose it has plum and black cherry with notable oak from its 28 months in French oak (2-year requirement for a Gran Reserva). On the palate this full-bodied wine has big dark fruit flavors including black cherry, medium tannin and medium-high acidity.

Each of these wines from Beronia’s Rioja Alta region are great tasting and affordable, thus being a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Salud!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Beronia Winery via Gonzalez Byass and Donna White Communications

2022 Flora Springs Napa Valley Rosé ($32)

Flora Springs was founded in 1978, but their legacy dates back to the late 1800s when wine grapes were first planted on the Napa Valley property that is now their estate vineyards.

The Flora Springs Napa Valley Rosé grapes are grown in sustainably-farmed vineyards.

This rosé is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot (all red wine grapes) and Vermentino (a white wine grape). The wine is made using a classic technique known as Saignée ("San-yay") or Bleeding. Once the handpicked grapes arrived at the winery, the whole-clusters are pressed, removing the juice from the grape skins quickly in order to preserve freshness and leave the wine with its light color. After fermentation the wine was rested in tanks for seven months with twice-weekly lees stirring prior to bottling.

This Flora Springs Napa Valley Rosé is a cherry red color with delicate aromas of strawberry and cherry. On the palate it is light-bodied with medium acidity, with flavors of raspberry and cherry with a touch of sweetness and a great finish. The seven month on-lees has given this rosé a nice smoothness on the mouthfeel that makes this rosé unusually rich.

This Flora Springs Napa Valley Rosé is a new release that’s available from their website. It’s a great value and a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

14.2% Alcohol By Volume

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Flora Springs Winery via Forte Mare

2022 Fleurs de Prairie Rosé ($20)

"Fleurs de Prairie" is named in celebration of the free-spirited wildflowers carpeting their vineyards in the South of France. Crafted in South of France style, this wine is made by the family-owned Les Grands Chais de France. Fleurs de Prairie is a Mediterranean combination of sun, wind, mild water stress, and ocean influence that provide ideal conditions for growing grapes.

This rosé is produced from Grenache Noir, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre. The grapes are fermented in 100% stainless steel tanks and fermented separately to achieve the best characteristic of each varietal.

This Fleurs de Prairie is pale salmon in color with delicate aromas of strawberry and peach. On the palate it has delicate flavors of strawberry and candied cherry with refreshing acidity and a hint of tartness.

This Fleurs de Prairie is widely available and quite affordable for a French rosé. These factors make this wonderful rosé a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Alcohol By Volume = 13%, Residual Sugar = 1.1 gm/L, pH = 3.33, Total Acidity = 3.32 gm/L

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits via Forte Mare

2020 Josh Rose ($14.99)

Josh Cellars is a negociant brand which means they don’t own a winery or any vineyards, just like many of the world’s greatest wineries in Bordeaux and Burgundy France. But, they do work with California’s best growers to produce great wines.

The grapes used to make this Josh Rosé were picked in cool conditions and moved immediately to the winery where they were pressed and the juice sent directly to a tank. This very brief period of time that the juice is in contact with the skins lead to the beautiful salmon color of this rosé.

This Josh Rosé has delicate red fruit aromas including strawberry and raspberry. On this palate, this light-bodied rosé has rich flavors of strawberry, melon and peach along with bright acidity. The bright fruit flavors make for a sweet flavor sensation, yet this wine (at 12.5% Alcohol by Volume) is considered ‘dry.’

This Josh Rosé is a wonderfully light and refreshing wine at a great price. Perfect as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Josh Cellars via Donna White Communications

Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé ($13)

Domaine Bousquet was founded on virgin land in 1997 in the Gualtallary sub-zone of Tupungato in Mendoza’s Uco Valley. Today, the estate, run by daughter Anne Bousquet and husband Labid al Ameri, is Argentina’s largest exporter of wines made from certified organic grapes. All wines are made from 100% certified organic fruit grown at a cool 4,000-foot-high altitude and crafted with a French winemaking sensibility.

This Sparkling Rosé is produced from 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay grapes that are harvested manually. The first fermentation uses selected yeast for 15 days. The second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and lasts for about 30 days.

This Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé is a beautiful salmon color with delicate aromas and bubbles. On the palate this light-bodied wine has flavors of strawberry and raspberry with refreshing acidity.

This Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé is a really wonderful sparkling wine that’s available at a great price which makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Alcohol By Volume: 12.5%, Acidity: 7.8 g/L, pH: 3.26, Residual Sugar: 8.2 g/L

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2020 Domaine Bousquet Gran-Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)

This wine began life in the first vineyard planted by the Bousquet family in 2000, after their arrival from France. In the high desert of Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region, the site captured the family’s imagination based on its sandy soil (low-fertility sandy soil makes for elegant wines) and its access to water. The grapes for this wine are the last to be harvested, ensuring more richness and body.

The organic grapes were hand-harvested along with careful hand selection of the clusters and grapes. It was cold macerated for 72 to 96 hours. Fermentation was with selected yeast for 12 days along with 20 days of maceration. It then underwent 100% Malolactic Conversion before being aged in French oak for 10 months.

This Gran-Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec. It is deep purple in color with big aromas of dark fruits, vanilla and a bit of pepper. On the palate, this wonderful full-bodied dry wine has dark fruit flavors, medium-high tannin and hints of oak. It finishes nicely.

It’s hard to find a Cabernet Sauvignon of this quality at this price. That’s why it’s featured as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Alcohol by Volume: 15%, Acidity: 5.92 g/L/ pH 3.62, Residual Sugar: 2.9 g/L

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2022 Gaia Malbec Nouveau ($20)

Gaia, the Greek goddess of the earth, has been the Domaine Bousquet family's inspiration since founding their winery in 1997 when they pioneered and cleared virgin land in the high reaches of Tupungato's Gualtallary district.

There are several factors that differentiate Domaine Bousquet’s vineyards and their terroir:

The near constant breezes from the Andes to the west which help mitigate heat-stress in this desert-like climate, with its huge day/night temperature differentials,

The sandy soils result in low fertility for desirable vine stress and yet are permeable for good drainage. In addition,

The prevalence of groundwater, with rainfall averaging a scant 8-inches or less per year, groundwater from Andes snowmelt is vital to irrigate the vines drop-by-drop.

This Gaia Malbec Nouveau from Domaine Bousquet is produced from 100% Malbec. It undergoes Carbonic maceration which is a fermentation process where the whole bunches of grapes are placed into a tank without de-stemming. The atmosphere within the fermentation tank is saturated with carbon dioxide while fermentation begins naturally. Once fermentation begins, the weight of the fermenting grapes crushes the surrounding grapes, releasing juices that are also fermented and macerated for 10 days. The wine then goes through a press to separate it from the grape skins and sediments. Finally, a second yeast fermentation takes place to complete the process.

This Gaia Malbec Nouveau is pale purple in color with aromas of red fruit, boysenberry and bubblegum. On the palate this unique medium bodied dry wine has bright red fruit flavors and medium-low tannin and has a wonderful floral finish.

This is a Limited Edition wine from Domaine Bousquet so you’ll be in for a real treat if you can get your hands on this one! And, at the price it’s a really good value too, making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

14.5% Alcohol by Volume, Acidity 4.95 g/L, pH 3.63, Residual Sugar 0.93 g/L

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Pinot Noir ($18)

A step up from their premium varietal line, this ‘Reserve’ Domaine Bousquet Pinot Noir is produced from estate-grown grapes from plots with low yields that offer more of everything – more body, more tannin, and more flavor. The 4,000-foot elevation ensures that, with the right handling, this Reserve Pinot Noir exudes an Old-World elegance prized by wine lovers.

Domaine Bousquet’s Reserve Pinot Noir is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are manual harvested, undergo cold maceration and then fermented for 15 days. It is then aged for six to eight months in French oak.

This wine is pale ruby in color with subtle red-fruit aromas. It has the characteristic Pinot Noir flavors of raspberry and cranberry with a bit of black cherry and a round finish.

This wine was produced from organic grapes and is vegan friendly. And, at this price, is an exceptional value for a Pinot Noir of this quality. That makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2022 Domaine Bousquet LO-CA Organic Chardonnay ($14)


LO-CA organic Chardonnay, from Domaine Bousquet in Uco Valley Argentina, is a feel-good, taste-good wine with more altitude, attitude, and fewer calories.

The name is a play on “low-calorie,” but Loca also means “crazy” in Spanish. So, this LO-CA Chardonnay is low-calorie, low-alcohol, low-sugar, vegan, gluten-free, USDA-certified organic, Regenerative Organic Certified™, and Eco cert-approved – how crazy is that!

This LO-CA wine is produced from 100% Chardonnay that is fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12-17 days. Bottling followed shortly after to ensure peak freshness.

This LO-CA Chardonnay is medium gold in color with medium aromas of tropical fruit. On the palate it has flavors or grapefruit and green apple with crisp acidity.

This is an easy to drink, light and refreshing wine that can be enjoyed at any time and fits right in as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week!

Alcohol: 9% Acidity-Ph: 8.4/3.24 gm/L, Residual Sugar: 1.15 gm/L, Calories:75 per 5 oz serving

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

The Wines of Domaine Bousquet

Embraced for their freshness, vibrant aromatics and fruit-forward qualities, wines from the Gualtallary zone of Tupungato in Mendoza’s Uco Valley have become “must-haves” for Argentine connoisseurs. With altitudes ranging up to 5,249 feet, Gualtallary occupies the highest extremes of Mendoza’s viticultural limits.

Domaine Bousquet, an early pioneer in this high-altitude sub-region of the Uco Valley, stands out for its singular reliance on eco-friendly organic fruit. And their prices are very competitive!

Today, Domaine Bousquet is housed in a striking modern winery, complete with a hospitality area and restaurant, and the property accounts for 667 acres planted under vine.

In future Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week features we’ll take a more in-depth look at each of these wines from Domaine Bousquet (left to right):

- 2022 Gaia Malbec Nouveau ($20)

- 2021 Virgen Red Blend ($13)

- Sparkling Rosé ($13)

- 2022 LO CA Chardonnay ($14)

- 2020 Gran Cabernet Sauvignon / SRP $20

- 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir / SRP $18

So, stay tuned for more on each of these wonderful wines from Domaine Bousquet! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Domaine Bousquet (via Creative Palate Communications)

2017 Vitis Ridge Cabernet Franc ($34)

Vitis Ridge is currently owned and operated by Chris & Sharon Deckelmann. What started as a hobby in their garage over 20 years ago has evolved into one of the North Willamette Valley's most popular wineries. Vitis Ridge is part of the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers, a consortium of wineries on the East side of the Willamette Valley.

Established in 2005, Vitis Ridge is a boutique Oregon winery producing about 3,000 cases annually. They focus on unique wines and specialty blends and are currently offering 30 varietals.

Their Estate vineyards are comprised of nearly 150 acres and include Pinot Noir, Maréchal Foch, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Muscat. They also bring in grapes from vineyards throughout the Northwest to provide a broader range of offerings and interesting terrior differences.

This Vitis Ridge Cabernet Franc is sourced from Washington’s Yakima Valley. It it deep purple in color with notes of red fruit and spices. On the palate it is rich with intense flavors of red fruit (raspberry), blueberry and black plum with the distinct Cabernet Franc spicy, peppery notes.

This wine is excellent and a great value, too! Vitis Ridge always keeps their prices affordable so you can open the bottle you want to drink anytime...not just for the special event. That makes this Vitis Ridge Viognier a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week!

Next time you are in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, stop in at Vitis Ridge and meet their Tasting Room Manager, Brian Everest, to check out all their great wines. Cheers!

Disclosure: This wine was purchased directly from Vitas Ridge. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Organic Wines of Veramonte

The wines from Veramonte are from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. Veramonte follows organic practices in all their vineyards to ensure the best conditions for the development of the vine thus achieving vineyards that are sustainable. Through cultivating healthy, living soils and maintaining a natural balance in their vineyards and winemaking process, Veramonte obtains quality grapes that express the full potential of the terroir, leading to wines with character and authenticity.

2020 Veramonte Pinot Noir ($13.99)

Produced from 100% Organic Pinot Noir, 15% of the grapes underwent whole cluster maceration and fermentation with natural yeasts. It then spent 8 months aging in oak. It is pale ruby in color with red fruit aromas of raspberry and cherry. One the palate it has juicy fruit flavors of cherry and cranberry and finishes light. (13.5% ABV, 1.3 g/L RS, 5.8 g/L acidity)

2022 Veramonte Chardonnay ($13.99)

Produced from 100% Organic Chardonnay, the grapes are whole cluster pressed and sit for 24 hours before being racked off. Part of the wine is barrel fermented in neutral oak with wild yeasts while the rest is fermented in stainless steel tanks to retain its bright flavors. Then, 30% of the wine undergoes malolactic conversion. Finally, 15% of the wine is aged in neutral oak for 8 months. It is medium gold in color with citrus and apple aromas. On the palate it is bright and refreshing. (14% ABV, 3.33 g/L RS, 7.35 g/L acidity)

2022 Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc ($13.99)

This wine is composed of 100% Organic Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are fermented in stainless steel tanks. It is medium gold in color with subtle citrus aromas. On the palate it has bright citrus flavors of grapefruit and lime with a refreshing finish. (13.5% ABV, 0.78 g/L RS, 7.73 g/L acidity)

Each of these sustainably-made wines is organic and vegan which make them not only a perfect fit for Earth Day 2023 but also most any day that you’re looking for an affordable wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Veramonte Wines, González Byass (via Donna White Communications)

2021 Trivento Malbec ($11)

On April 17, wine lovers around the world will celebrate Malbec World Day, an international tribute to Argentinian Malbec. At Bodega Trivento, this day honors the rich history of Mendoza as well as looks forward to pioneering the future of sustainable winemaking.

Trivento is the largest B Corp certified company in the Argentinian agricultural sector and Argentina’s #1 wine brand worldwide.

One of only five certified B Corp wineries in Argentina, Trivento adheres to rigorous business, social and environmental standards within its operations, supply chain and community—a triple-impact model that is a rarity and triumph for a brand operating at this scale. The winery’s commitment to the people and land of Mendoza makes it a shining example of what the region has to offer.

This Trivento wine is produced from 100% Malbec. Half of the grapes come from the Uco Valley while the other half are from Luján and Maipú, Mendoza. It spends 20 days of fermentation in stainless steel tanks and 4 days of post-fermentation maceration. It then undergoes natural malolactic fermentation followed by aging for 6 months in French and American oak barrels. It is medium-purple in color with aromas of dark red fruit and plum with some herbal hints. On the palate, this full-bodied Malbec has flavors of red fruit (raspberry and cherry) along with black fruit flavor of plum and blackberry.

This Vegan-certified Trivento Reserve Malbec is perfect for celebrating Malbec World Day on April 17th and a great value that fits right in as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Bodega Trivento via Jarvis Communications

2021 Vitis Ridge Viognier ($22)

Vitis Ridge is currently owned and operated by Chris & Sharon Deckelmann. What started as a hobby in their garage over 20 years ago has evolved into one of the North Willamette Valley's most popular wineries. Vitis Ridge is part of the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers, a consortium of wineries on the East side of the Willamette Valley.

Established in 2005, Vitis Ridge is a boutique Oregon winery producing about 3,000 cases annually. They focus on unique wines and specialty blends and are currently offering 30 varietals.

Their Estate vineyards are comprised of nearly 150 acres and include Pinot Noir, Maréchal Foch, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Muscat. They also bring in grapes from vineyards throughout the Northwest to provide a broader range of offerings and interesting terrior differences.

This Vitis Ridge Viognier is sourced from the Rattlesnake Hills AVA in Yakima Valley Washington. It was processed entirely in stainless steel tanks. It is medium gold in color with bright citrus aromas. On the palate it has the classic “oily” mouthfeel that make it smooth tasting with flavors of apricot, peach and tangerine on its delightful finish.

Vitis Ridge keeps their prices affordable so you can open the bottle you want to drink anytime...not just for the special event. That makes this Vitis Ridge Viognier a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Next time you are in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, stop in at Vitis Ridge and meet their Tasting Room Manager, Brian Everest, to check out all their great wines. Cheers!

Disclosure: This wine was purchased directly from Vitas Ridge. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

2020 Josh Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.99)


Hearth is the newest Cabernet Sauvignon from Josh Cellars.

Joseph Carr began by selling Josh wines (Named for his Father) out of the back of his truck in 2007. In the beginning, he only made one wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, but soon thereafter began making a Josh Chardonnay for his wife, Dee. From day one, proceeds from Josh Cellars have been donated to various military, veteran, and firefighter groups. In 2021, Josh Cellars was named American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine.

This Josh Hearth is produced from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are sourced from around the state of California. It is deep ruby in color with aromas of black fruit, plum, herbal hints and chocolate. On the palate, this full-bodied wine is like drinking a cherry-chocolate (but not sweet) with wonderfully rich dark cherry flavor, blackberry and dark chocolate. Its tannin are easy as is the finish.

Josh Cellars Hearth Cabernet Sauvignon is a great value for a California Cab and a great fits as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week.

Josh Cellars Hearth is available online at Josh Cellars , as well as nationwide on Drizly, Total Wine, Minibar and more.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Josh Cellars

2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)

The Domaine Bousquet winery is a family-owned estate in the Gualtallary Valley, a scenic, remote, arid terrain high in the Uco Valley (4000-plus-foot elevation) in Argentina’s Mendoza region, close to the border with Chile. Their wines are made from hand-picked, certified organic estate fruit.

This Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec. It undergoes a 48-hour cold maceration followed by a 10-day fermentation using selected yeasts, and then is followed by another 10-day maceration. It then undergoes 100% malolactic conversion and is aged in contact with French oak 6-8 months.

It is deep ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, delicate herbs and a hint of earthiness. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has fruity, jammy flavors of black plum and black currant with a bit of oak on the easy finish.

This Domaine Bousquet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. And, at this price, is a great value too!

Alcohol: 14.5%, Total Acidity: 5.55 gm/L (pH: 3.67), Residual Sugar: 1.8 gm/L

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Domaine Bousquet Winery and Creative Palate Communications

The Domaine Bousquet winery is a family-owned estate in the Gualtallary Valley, a scenic, remote, arid terrain high in the Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region, close to the border with Chile. Their wines are made from hand-picked, certified organic estate fruit.

The Domaine Bousquet wines are:

Organic: The dry, low-humidity soil eliminates the need for pesticides and other chemicals to prevent disease, making organic farming easier. And, the dreaded phylloxera louse cannot survive in sandy soil!

Elegant: The harder the soil, the heavier and more powerful the wine. The lighter the soil, the more elegant the wine. The ability to produce elegant wines was so important from the start that Domaine Bousquet’s tagline is “Naturally Elegant Wines.”

Aromatic: Thanks to the sandy soil, the grapes thrive in an area with big differences between day/night temperatures, allowing the grapes to retain acidity and terpenes, those volatile compounds that result in wonderful aromas.

Complex: With riverbed and non-riverbed fruit available, the winemaker has more options, a bigger palate from which to blend.

2021 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Chardonnay ($18)
This wine is made from 100% Chardonnay that are grown by the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of 4000 feet. This high altitude yields cool nights that preserves the fresh fruit flavors and acidity in the grapes. This Reserve Chardonnay was fermented in oak for 15 days and aged for 6 months in contact with oak and lees.

It’s deep gold in color with aromas of pear and baked apple. Although it’s fermented and aged in oak, the oak influence is restrained resulting in a medium-bodied Chardonnay with fruit flavors that are not too bright and not overly oaked - just right.

Total Acidity: 5.09 gm/L ; pH = 3.40, Alcohol: 14%, Residual Sugar = 1.61 gm/L; Serve at 10°C/50°F.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Domaine Bousquet Winery and Creative Palate Communications

In Part 1 of “Winter White Wines” we looked at a dry Riesling from Austria and a Verdejo from Spain. Here are two more nice “Winter Whites” involving Chardonnay:

2021 Chateau Domecq White Blend ($13.99)

Chateau Domecq is one of the leading brands in Mexico. The Chateau Domecq wines offer exceptional value in the growing category of Mexican wines from the Valle de Guadalupe which is located inland from Ensenada in Baja California. The Mediterranean climate, morning fog from the Pacific Ocean, and valley topography is similar to parts of California.

This Chateau Domecq White is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Viognier. The Chardonnay is fermented and aged in 2nd use French oak barrels for 6 months with periodic bâtonnage (stirring the lees or, dead yeast, during the aging and maturation of wine) to give body and smoothness. The Viognier adds some richness and a smooth mouth-feel. The Chardonnay and Viognier are blended just before bottling. It is deep gold in color with subtle aromas of pear. On the palate it has great richness and smoothness with flavors of peach and pineapple.

2019 Ritual Chardonnay ($20.99)

This wine is from the Casablanca Valley of Chile, a cool climate area on the northwestern side of Chile’s coastal range that is less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

This wine is produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes. A portion of the fruit is whole-cluster fermented in concrete eggs (20%) to increase the wine’s texture and fruit flavors. The rest is fermented in oak barrels (20% new/60% neutral) which delivers structure, complexity and silkiness. After fermentation, the wine is stirred on-lees regularly in order to achieve its maximum expression.

This Ritual Chardonnay is medium gold in color with aromas of baked apple, pear and citrus along with some earthiness. On the palate, this dry Chardonnay (1.3 G/L residual sugar) has bright citrus fruit flavors and bold acidity (7.79 G/L).

Remember, as we learned previously, to get the fullest and richest flavors from these wines, serve them a bit warmer, in the 50-55° F range. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Gonzalez Byass via Donna White Communications

Standard convention says that during the colder days of winter, a hearty red wine is the one to pick. And, while that’s not wrong, there are also white wines that are well-suited for winter drinking.

Winter white wines are not the bright, fruity and refreshing ones that you may normally think of, such as Sauvignon Blanc, but rather whites that are a bit bigger and more powerful in flavor such that they pair well with heartier winter dishes.

And, these winter whites don’t need to be extra chilled in a standard refrigerator. Winter whites should be served in the 50-55° F range.

Here are a couple of nice examples:

2021 Domäne Wachau Riesling ($18.99)

This Domäne Wachau Federspiel Terrassen Riesling is from the Wachau Valley on the Danube River in Austria where Riesling is famous. It comes from sustainable and increasingly organic principles. It is hand-picked, pressed and then fermented on lees in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fruit flavors. It is medium straw in color with delicate aromas of lime and green apple. On the palate, this dry Riesling (1.2 g/L residual sugar) has flavors of peach, apricot and bee’s wax.

2020 Beronia Rueda ($13.99)

Rueda is a wine region located on the Duero river in Spain just northwest of the Spanish capital, Madrid. And, it is known for its white wines made predominantly from the Verdejo grape variety. This 100% Verdejo wine is fermented in both stainless steel (which preserves the complexity and intensity of the aroma) and concrete tanks (which promotes contact with the lees and helps to a full-bodied wine). This Beronia Rueda is pale yellow in color with green hints. On the nose it exhibits rich fruit flavors and fennel which is typical of the Verdejo grape. On the palate, this dry wine (<2 g/L residual sugar) has the flavor of grapefruit pith which leads to a slight touch of bitterness on the finish which is also typical of the Verdejo grape.

Both of these wines are fine examples of white wines that can be enjoyed with winter meals and, again, can be served in the 50-55° F range. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Gonzalez Byass via Donna White Communications

2018 Alto de la Bellena Reserva ($24)

Nine miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, Alto de la Ballena is a small winery producing high-end wines from over 20 acres of vineyards in Uruguay. Starting vine plantations on a slope of Sierra de la Ballena (“Whale Hills”) in 2001, the estate opened new trends in wine growing by combining maritime climate, hills and rocky soils.

This Alto de la Bellena is a blend of 85% Tannat and 15% Viognier. Yes, it’s a blend of red wine and white wine. It is common to use Viognier as a blending wine to enhance the color, add floral aromas, and provide a silkier mouthfeel. The Viognier was fermented separately in barrels and its skins were co-fermented with the Tannat. The finished wines were then blended and aged for nine months in American oak.

This wine is deep ruby in color with aromas of plum and black cherry. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has jammy flavors of black fruit, medium-high tannin and acidity and a bit of tartness on the finish.

This Alto de la Bellena red blend is yet another great example of the fine wines being produced in Uruguay and a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Alto de la Bellena Winery via Creative Palate Communications

2019 Bouza Monte Vide Eu Red Blend ($67)

Red-blend wines are some of the best in the world.

This is a red blend from Bouza, is produced in the southern region of Montevideo in Uruguay. The name, Monte Vide Eu, loosely translates to “I see a hill” which is attributed to a sailor on expedition with Ferdinand Magellan upon seeing hills in southern Uruguay (today’s region of Montevideo).

This red blend is produced with 50% Tannat, 30% Merlot and 20% Tempranillo. The three varietals were aged separately between 9 and 16 months, depending on the plot, in French and American oak barrels.

This Bouza Monte Vide Eu red blend is deep ruby in color with aromas of cherry and plum. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has rich black fruit flavors, medium tannin and acidity, to go along with wonderful complexity and a nice lingering finish.

This is an excellent example of wines being produced in Uruguay with their signature grape, Tannat, as perfect as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Bodega Bouza via Creative Palate Communications

2020 Bodegones Del Sur Cabernet Franc ($20)

In Uruguay, Bodegones literally translates as “still lifes,” pictorial compositions that represent foodstuffs and daily objects where wine always has a privileged place. Del Sur mean “from the south.”

This Bodegones Del Sur Cabernet Franc is produced in Uruguay’s Juanicó region which is just north of Montevideo in southern Uruguay. And, just as a reminder, Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of both Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon!

After a pre-selection of the grape clusters in the vineyard, a further grape-by-grape selection is then done at the winery. To extract all the desirable compounds from the grapes, maceration precedes as well as follows the fermentation with selected yeasts. Finally, 30% of the wine ages in American and French oak barrels.

This Bodegones Del Sur Cabernet Franc is medium purple in color with aromas of red fruit, raspberries and herbs. On the palate it is medium-bodied with medium tannin and medium-high acidity. It has red fruit and cherry flavors with just a hint of tartness. This is a young wine that could probably use a bit more time in the bottle to fully develop. (note: this wine was decanted for 30 minutes prior to serving).

The wines of Uruguay, including this Bodegones Del Sur Cabernet Franc, are great values that fit right in as a Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Juanico.com and Creative Palate Communications

Basta Spirit Vermut Flores Rosé ($16)

In a little bit of a ‘twist’ this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week is a vermouth, from Uruguay.

As was noted in a previous blog, vermouth is actually a wine - a fortified wine. And, it’s infused with a mixture of botanical products including fruits, herbs, spices and roots. After the wine is aromatized and fortified, the Vermouth may be bottled dry, or sweeteners such as sugar may be added to create the sweet style of Vermouth, like this one.

This Basta Spirit Flores Rosé vermouth is from Uruguay and is made from Tannat grapes that are pressed and left in brief contact with the skins to create a rosé. It’s 27 different botanicals include roots, barks, herbs, fruit and flowers such as rose, hops, chamomile and elder-flower.

It is sweet to the taste and makes for a refreshing cocktail when served over ice with tonic water, a slice of lemon and olives (as shown) or as a spritz with sparkling wine and a slice of orange. One way or another, this Basta Spirit Flores Rosé makes for a delightfully refreshing drink. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Basta Spirit via Creative Palate Communications

Bordered by the Uruguay River, the Río de la Plata, and the Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay today boasts 180 wineries, most of them family-owned, that between them produce 10 million cases of wine annually.

Uruguayan’s tend to prefer reds and over the last 30 years Uruguayan wine has become synonymous with Tannat. But, given the country’s oceanic climate, white wines influenced by the sea are now also beginning to attract attention as producers new and old look to venture into new territory. Uruguay is beginning to produce a growing range of flavors to tempt curious drinkers.

Here are two fine examples of delicious white wines from Uruguay:

2022 BraccoBosca Ombú Moscatel ($16)

The Ombú is a native tree of South America. On their winery, there is one Ombú tree where the previous landowners used to hide golden coins. So, the family that owns the winery has always thought there is treasure buried there. But, actually, they believe the real treasure is the vineyard where they produce this exclusive wine. This Wine is made from 100% dry Moscatel. It is pale straw in color with green highlights. On the nose it has medium-intensity notes of citrus, pear and sweet notes of honey. On the palate it is light bodied, with flavors of apricot, mandarin Orange and honey, Although it is not really sweet, it does have slight sweet flavor on the finish. (13% ABV)

2022 Marichal Sauvignon Blanc ($14)

This wine is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Etchevarrîa, Canelones which is located just 25 km from the Rio de la Plata. The vineyards are divided into two parcels, one that is 8 years old and the other that is 22 years old. The wine was manually harvested and fermented for 15 days without malolactic fermentation or oak aging. It is medium straw in color with aromas of grass, melon and herbs. On the palate it is medium-bodied with fresh citrus flavor and a hint of tartness to go along with the refreshing acidity. (12.7% ABV)

Both of these white wines from Uruguay are nice examples of the quality and affordability of wines coming from their country. These are great examples of wines that fit right in as Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by the noted wineries via Creative Palate Communications

Uruguay is home to a proud winemaking tradition in an unusual location, and a far cry from the desert-and Andes-dominated landscapes associated with most vineyard regions in the South America continent. In Uruguay, the dominant factor is the Atlantic Ocean, whose winds, storms, and tides ensure a cool climate.

Uruguay is about the same size as the U.S.state of Wisconsin and its population of 3.5 million is roughly that of Connecticut. In terms of planted vineyards (14,804 acres), it’s a little smaller than Alexander Valley in California’s Sonoma Valley.

In terms of worldwide production of Tannat, Uruguay is second only to France. And, in Uruguay, Tannat accounts for 27% of vineyard plantings.

Here are three fine examples of Tannat from Uruguay:

2018 Pisano RPF Tannat Family Personal Reserve ($24): Made from 100% Tannat, this RPF (Reserva Personal de la Familia) was originally created with the aim of preserving very limited quantities of their best wines for the personal consumption of the Family. Today it represents their most exclusive and prestigious wines. It is medium purple in color with aromas of red and black fruits. On the palate it has rich black cherry, plum and raspberry notes. It is full-bodied with firm tannin and medium acidity. It was decanted more than an hour before serving.

2020 Giménez Méndez Alta Reserva Tannat ($18): This 100% Tannat that was planted in 1995. The grapes are hand harvest and hand selected, destemming and crushing. It underwent pre-fermentation maceration for six days before fermentation for 12 to 15 days. Post maceration during 8 days to optimize the color, flavor and tannin. It was then aged for nine months in American and French oak. Finally, a blend is produced with wines of the same variety obtained from different plots. It is deep purple in color with aromas of dark stone fruit and black cherry. On the palate it is full-bodied with rich plum and prune flavors along with smoky tobacco flavors from the nine months of aging in French and American oak. It has medium tannin and medium-high acidity. It was decanted more than an hour before serving.

2019 Montes Toscanini Gran Tannat Premium ($59): The harvest of these Tannat grapes is 100% by hand. Once they are in the tank, the maceration lasts more than 22 days while undergoing intense pumping over on skins and seeds. This Gran Tannat undergoes malolactic fermentation and is then left to rest in concrete vats to undergo natural clarification and stabilization. It was then aged in the best oak barrels in the winery for 18 months before going through a period of aging in the bottle. It is deep purple in color with aromas of red and black fruits with a floral hint. On the palate it is rich and complex with a great depth of character with delicious dark fruit flavors and vanilla. It was decanted more than an hour before serving.

If you are not familiar with the wines of Uruguay you should consider trying a few. They are making very nice wines of good quality a very affordable prices. That make these three Tannats a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Look for more great wines from Uruguay in upcoming features. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by the noted wineries via Creative Palate Communications

2020 Cline Eight Spur Dry Creek Zinfandel ($25)

Cline Family Cellars, a certified sustainable family-owned and operated winery and vineyard holder based in the Carneros wine appellation of Sonoma County, California, has recently announced the introduction of Cline Family Cellars Sonoma AVA Series, a collection of four varietal wines sourced from the best growing regions in Sonoma County.

These traditionally planted Zinfandel blocks are distinctive. Short stout vines stand on their own with no trellis, their gnarled arms reaching in all directions. Original farmers called this vine pruning technique “Eight Spur.” It was back-breaking work, going vine-to-vine to create a canopy that exposed grapes to the right mix of sun, breeze and shade – but history shows that’s what it takes to make the very best Zinfandel.

This Cline Eight Spur Zinfandel is made from 100% Zinfandel grapes harvested from 100-year-old vines at the northern most end of Dry Creek Valley. Grapes are hand-harvested at night, gently de-stemmed and transferred to stainless steel closed-top tanks. The wine ferments naturally warm as wild yeast begins fermentation. Temperatures peak at 90F and the wine is left on skins for 18 days to ensure complete fermentation while being pumped over twice a day. At peak fermentation the wine is pumped-over 3 times a day before dropping to once a day for the final 8 days. It is gently drained and pressed off into separate fractions for malolactic fermentation in barrel. It is aged in 40% new French oak for 15 months before being blended and bottled.

This wine is deep ruby in color with bright aromas of black cherry and blackberry. On the palate it has nice deep flavors of dark fruit, medium tannin and a soft finish. It is gluten free and vegan friendly. This is a very nice Zinfandel from Dry Creek and, at the price, is a perfect fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Cline Cellars via Donna White Communications

2021 Cline Hat Strap Chardonnay ($25)

Cline Family Cellars, a certified sustainable family-owned and operated winery and vineyard holder based in the Carneros wine appellation of Sonoma County, California, has recently announced the introduction of Cline Family Cellars Sonoma AVA Series, a collection of four varietal wines sourced from the best growing regions in Sonoma County.

In 1991, Fred and Nancy Cline moved Cline Family Cellars from Oakley to a 350-acre horse ranch in Sonoma-Carneros. They began planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other noble Rhône-style varietals that best suited the growing conditions of the area. Now, as the next generation assumes leadership positions within the winery, they are fulfilling their heartfelt commitment to promote Sonoma County with the introduction of this new tier of wines to showcase local Viticultural areas that produce the best expression of a signature varietal.

Hat Strap Chardonnay is sourced from the Cline family’s J. Poppe vineyard, the oldest Sonoma vineyard on the winery’s estate. “Afternoon winds are felt throughout the Carneros region and especially on the Eastern facing slopes of Wildcat Mountain where we farm our stellar Hat Strap Chardonnay,” said Fred Cline. “Winds come up from the San Pablo Bay directly pulling in cooler coastal air. The wind is so strong that I need to hang on to my hat when inspecting the vineyard,” remarked Fred. Hence, the name ‘Hat Strap’ for this wine.

This 2021 Cline Hat Strap Chardonnay is produced from 100% Chardonnay that is hand harvested. The grapes are immediately pressed and settled for 24 hours to remove some solid, while retaining enough to create a full textured wine. After inoculation, a cool fermentation begins in a mixture of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. It then undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. It then spends extended time on lees with periodic stirring. The wine is aged for 10 months in 35% new French Oak barrels, 35% in neutral barrels and the balance in stainless steel tanks.

This Cline Chardonnay is medium-gold in color with aromas of baked apple and pear. On the palate it is creamy smooth with hints of apple, pear and citrus. It finishes really nice. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Cline Cellars via Donna White Communications