Grilling has no “best season.” It’s spring, summer, fall, or winter? Fire up that grill! Even when I lived in the Chicago suburbs, you could find my husband standing on our deck covered with snow and wielding the tongs and shaking the seasonings on the juiciest and most flavorful burgers ever. Now, in California, we grill weekly (at least) and devise a few creative concoctions to jump start the deliciousness of the ho-hum burger.
Wines we pour vary depending on the burger toppings or bun used – from a rich, oaked Chardonnay with a cheeseburger on a butter basted brioche bun to a bold Cabernet blend with a Swiss and mushroom burger. Recently, I opened three wines (sent as samples) from Domaine Bousquet in Argentina and each was a bright, fresh find from their organic and biodynamic vineyards nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Domaine Bousquet Produces Organic, Biodynamic Wines
Domaine Bousquet is now in its fourth generation of winemaking. Beginning in the region of Carcassonne in the south of France, they came to Mendoza, Argentina in 1990 in order to “look for the best place to continue a decades-long tradition.” What they found in Mendoza were unique qualities including its sandy soils, high altitude, and distinctive terroir. In 1997, they purchased 110 hectares of land in the Gualtallary terroir, Tupungata establishing the family as “one of the first foreign winemaking ventures to settle in the country.”
The Gualtallary vineyards are at approximately 1220 meters above sea level, considered one of the highest in Mendoza. Cool climate, a consistent cool breeze from the Andes Mountains to the west that temper the heat of the desert-like climate, and significant temperature fluctuations result in excellent wines that exude freshness, bright acidity, and purity in flavors.
The Bousquet family has as its mission to “combine European winemaking techniques with the exceptional climate and terroir of the region.” Its first harvest was in 2002. Since 2005, exceptional growth has occurred. More than 50 countries in the world offer high quality, award-winning wines from Domaine Bousquet. As of now, it is the leader of exports in the premium organic wines segment.
Photo Credit: The Drinks Business
Affordable Wines of Domaine Bousquet and Luscious Burgers to Crave
Three wines tasted are from Domaine Bousquet’s Gaia label; they are 100% estate-grown and bottled. Each is certified organic and in 2022, the Gaia range added biodynamic (Demeter-Certified) to their expanding credentials, followed by ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified) in 2024. Gaia, according to ancient Greek mythology, was one of the “primordial deities, emerging fully formed from Chaos to become the divine personification of Earth and the mother of all life.”
Mouthwatering and flavorful, Gaia Organic and Biodynamic Rose of Pinot Noir 2024 ($20) is from 100% organically grown Pinot Noir. Dry and juicy, I found aromas and flavors of crushed raspberries, freshly picked strawberries, nectarine, orange zest and florals surrounded by racy acidity. For a burger pairing, how about a salmon burger? The wine’s red berry profile and brilliant freshness mirrors the richness of the salmon. Consider topping the salmon with fresh tomato slices, butter lettuce, or sprinkles of feta for a taste sensation…
Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic and Biodynamic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($25) is from Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from high-altitude organic vineyards in the Uco Valley. On both nose and full bodied palate, I discovered plenty of black currant, black cherry, baking spices, hints of oak, and graphite notes. Rich and textured with moderate tannic structure, the finish lingered. Thanks to the wine’s dark fruit and savory profile, there are plenty of choices for your new favorite burger! A classic beef burger, a burger with sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese, or a bacon cheeseburger with smoke and salt along with a slice of cheddar or Gruyere are already making me want all of the above right now! Add a bit of brown or Dijon mustard, caramelized onions, or onion jam for an extra kick.
With a deep violet color and aromas of ripe red fruit, blackberries, spice, vanilla, and lavender, Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic and Biodynamic Malbec 2022 ($25) sang. What’s not to love about a Malbec that is fruit forward, balanced, and lush from the first sip to the last? On the medium to full bodied palate, the Malbec was juicy with plenty of flavors that reflected its aromas and it offered a lasting finish. Open the bottle and fire up the grill because this Malbec leans into a burger that is lean and smoky. Perhaps going rogue with a chimichurri burger, a beef patty topped with chimichurri sauce or herb aoli will work. Of course a Swiss and mushroom burger or a bacon and provolone burger will be delicious, too. However, I’ll opt for a burger with blue cheese that adds salt and a creamy texture to soften the wine’s tannins and to highlight its savory notes.
Find these affordable wines from Domaine Bousquet at your favorite wine shop and light the grill for your best burger night ever!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
