Behind the Cork™ - Vina Progreso Overground Viognier

2023 Viña Progreso Overground Viognier ($26)

The Viña Progreso Overground collection is named “overground” in contrast to “underground” because these wines are more refined and approachable.

Their objective is never to replicate an international model, but rather to allow the grapes to express themselves as they ripen in the Progreso Region of Uruguay.

The cool temperate climate of the southern region of Uruguay’s coast rests on the Atlantic Ocean where Uruguay shares the same latitude as the most renowned viticultural regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

This Viño Progreso Viognier is fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts for 25 days followed by six months of aging, on lees, in stainless steel tanks.

This Viognier, a medium-gold color, exudes delicate floral aromas along with apple and pear. On the palate, it boasts a medium body with a refreshing burst of bright acidity that lingers with each sip. The flavors unfold to include nectarine, pineapple, and a hint of orange peel. It finishes light and crisp. 

This Viognier, a unique Uruguayan wine, is certainly worth trying. And, at this price, it’s an excellent choice for 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.

Media Sample Provided by Viña Progreso

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon

Domaine Bousquet, a French-Argentine estate, has achieved success with its certified organic fruit, high-altitude terroir, and unique profile. Their naturally elegant and environmentally friendly wines have gained global recognition, now available in 61 countries. As Argentina’s leading exporter of organically grown grapes, Domaine Bousquet stands out.

From the very beginning, farming organically in the dry and phylloxera-resistant sandy soil of the area was both feasible and wise.

Their wines are made with hand-picked, hand-selected organic fruit, receiving the utmost gentle treatment to minimize handling and intervention.


2022 Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)

Reserve wines from this family-owned estate are meticulously crafted from hand-picked, organic estate fruit. This Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) is blended with Malbec (15%).

The fermentation process involves the careful selection of yeasts and a 20-day process that includes both a 10-day fermentation and an additional 10-day maceration. Afterward, the wine undergoes a six-month aging period in 400L French oak barrels, with the remaining portion aged in stainless steel and concrete tanks. (ABV: 14.5%, Total Acidity: 5.28 g/L, pH:3.69, Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/L)

Presenting a deep ruby color, this Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon has fresh aromas of black fruit. On the palate, it offers a full-bodied experience with flavors of black fruit, including black plum and black cherry. The wine has moderate tannin and is best served decanted for at least an hour. 

2021 Domaine Bousquet Gran Organic Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)

The Gran Bousquet Line blends grapes from four distinct soil types found in the vineyard: sandy, sandy calcareous, stony calcareous, and super stony. This unique approach allows for the creation of diverse components, offering a wide range of styles and blending possibilities.

The wine is composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Malbec. Fermentation took place in 10,000-liter tanks for 12 days, followed by eight days of maceration. Afterward, it underwent a complete Malolactic conversion before being aged in French oak barrels for ten months (50% new and 50% used). (ABV: 14.5%, TA: 5.2 g/L, pH: 3.68, RS: 3.68 g/L)

The Domaine Bousquet Gran Organic Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet color and a delicate aroma. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black fruit, including black cherry. It has medium-high tannin (decant for at least an hour) and medium-high acidity. The oak aging adds a subtle vanilla flavor to the finish. 

Domaine Bousquet’s Organic Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the Uco Valley in Argentina are an excellent choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. They’re incredibly affordable, making them a budget-friendly option for all wine enthusiasts. Cheers!

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

Media Samples Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Behind the Cork™ - Familie Lahusen Riesling

2023 Familie Lahusen Riesling ($25)

Meet Bodega Los Cerros de San Juan, the oldest winery in Uruguay! They make this Familie Lahuesen Riesling. Their vineyards are just a few kilometers from Colonia and Carmelo in the southwestern part of Uruguay, near the coast. Finca Los Cerros (The Cerros Estate) is shaped by the rocky hills that define the region. The winery’s roots go back to Germany, where their founders got the Riesling grapes over 80 years ago.

The Riesling grapes used to make this wine are carefully picked and de-stemmed. Then, they’re cooled and gently pressed. Fermentation happens in 1800 liter Italian amphorae vessels using special yeasts until the wine reaches a minimum residual sugar level of 1.7 g/L. Their use of amphorae adds complexity and longevity to this wine.

This Familie Lahuesen Riesling is a vibrant yellow color with delightful lime and green apple aromas. On the palate, it boasts a medium-light body and medium-high acidity. The flavor is predominantly green apple, complemented by tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and nectarine. The finish is crisp andrefreshing. This isn’t your typical German Riesling; it’s a unique ‘Atlantic’ style from Uruguay!

Uruguay, renowned for its exceptional and distinctive wines, continues to delight wine enthusiasts. The Familie Lahuesen Riesling is a prime example of this, offering exceptional flavors that captivate the palate. At this remarkably affordable price, it stands as an ideal choice for 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.

Media Sample Provided by Bodega Los Cerros de San Juan

Celebrate Cab Franc Day with Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic!

2021 Domaine Bousquet ($20)

Hey, wine lovers! Today, December 4th, is Cabernet Franc Day! And what better way to celebrate than with Gaia Organic Cabernet Franc from Domaine Bousquet.

GAIA, the Greek goddess of the earth, has been the 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 of Argentina.

From their start, Gaia wines have been crafted with a French winemaking sensibility and made from organic fruit grown at a cool 1,200-m/4,000-ft altitude.

This 100% Cabernet Franc was hand harvested and cold macerated for 72 hours. It was fermented with native yeast for 12 days followed by an additional 14 days of maceration. It was then aged in 100% used French oak for 10 months before being bottled. (ABV: 14.5%, Total Acidity: 5.15 g/L, pH: 3.67, Residual Sugar: 2.02 g/L).

GAIA Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is deep purple in color with delicate red fruit aromas. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has red fruit flavors, plum and medium-high tannin (decant before serving) and finishes with a touch of fruity sweetness.

Cheers to Cab Franc Day and this delicious GAIA Organic Cabernet Franc from Domaine Bousquet. A great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week.

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

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet

Sparkling Wines are Perfect for the Holidays!

Sparkling wines are perfect for the holidays. Here’s a few types to consider enjoying:

Photo by Oliver Sherwin on Unsplash

Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced in the relatively small region of Champagne in France. Only those sparkling wines produced in this region are allowed to be labeled as 'Champagne.'  And an entry level bottle of Champagne is going to start in the $50 range. So, typically you are toasting with some other sparkling wine. Read more

Some Champagne facts:

  • Champagne is typically produced from three grapes — Pinot Noir (Yes! A red wine grape!), Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier

  • To be called Champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region of France. Otherwise, it’s called Sparkling Wine

  • Champagne is produced using a process called the méthode champenoise where the bubbles are formed in the bottle during a second fermentation.

U.S. Sparkling Wine

In the U.S., there are a tremendous number of makers of sparkling wine. Most will produce a wine that can taste very much like the French Champagne. And, you can also find rosé sparkling wines.  An entry level bottle of sparkling wine in the U.S. can be as little as $5. Read more

Prosecco and Asti

In Italy, Prosecco is their signature sparkling wine. Produced in the Veneto region just north of Venice, this sparkling wine usually produces bigger bubbles. Bottles of Prosecco can be purchased in the $10- $15 range. Read more

Cava

The sparkling wine of Spain is Cava that is produced in the Catalonia region of Spain where Barcelona is located.  Nice bottles of Cava can be purchased for around $15. Read more

Styles of Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Brut Nature - This style is bone dry meaning it has little or no sugar content (0–3 g/L sugar).

Extra Brut - This style is also very dry but, it can have up to twice the sugar level of Brut Nature (0–6 g/L sugar). This little bit of sweetness creates a wonderful balance with Champagne’s naturally high acidity.

Brut - This is the most common style. While considered “Dry” this style can have up to twice the sugar of Extra Brut (0–12 g/L sugar).

Extra Dry - This is the one that always confuses people. This style is sweeter which actually makes it also taste a bit more fruity (12–17 g/L sugar).

Dry - The confusion continues. This style is getting up there in sweetness (17–32 g/L sugar).

Demi-Sec - Now you’re talking Sweet (32–50 g/L sugar). This style works well with desserts or bold cheeses.

Doux - This one, while very rare to find, is really sweet (50+ g/L sugar).

No matter which type or style you choose, give sparkling wines a try this holiday season. Cheers!