The Other Down Under

Australia claims the whole "Down Under" business because of their Southern Hemisphere location. Not to read too much into it, but there are other great wine producing regions that are south of the equator. Maybe they need to adopt that "Down Under" message for themselves. And perhaps the best of these alternate "Down Under"regions is Argentina's Mendoza.

In 1998, after buying a parcel of land, Mr. Jean Bousquet moved from France to the foothills of The Andes. The vineyard is located in Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza at an altitude of 1200 meters (4,000 feet) above the sea level, making it one of the higher altitude vineyards of Mendoza and the world. The vineyards are blessed with cool nights and a near constant cool breeze, the idyllic conditions for ripe grapes and excellent wines.

The main objective of Domaine Bousquet is to combine the European Elegance in winemaking style with the prefect cool climate and terroir of the Uco Valley in Argentina.

The result is wines that are naturally elegant with incredible color, beautiful fruity driven character, good structure with velvety style and a perfect sugar/acid balance. Approachable young, the wines reward further aging. The wines continue to receive accolades from the International Wine Press.

The wines are sold in over 45 countries around the world making us one of the leading exporters of organic wines in South America.

Today's wine is the Domaine Jean Bousquet Cabernet Sauvignon, Tupungato Valley 2012, which rated 90 points from Wine Spectator. Their review: "This concentrated red shows a savory side to the dark cassis and black cherry puree notes, with hints of underbrush, tarry mineral and mocha lining the long finish. Drink now through 2016."

Only $13.96 in the Bottle Club®.