Who Is Anne Bousquet
Anne Bousquet is the CEO of Domaine Bousquet, an award-winning organic winery located in Mendoza, Argentina, and one of the country’s top wine exporters. She transformed the winery founded by Jean Bousquet in 1990s into a globally recognized brand.
Domaine Bousquet is known for its high-altitude terroir in the Uco Valley, which provides the perfect conditions for cultivating organically farmed grapes that yield fresh, complex wines. Domaine Bousquet specializes in popular varietals like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, catering to markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
French Roots, Argentine Fruits
Originally from Carcassonne in southern France, the Bousquet family’s journey began with a desire to explore new winemaking possibilities outside France’s traditional regions. In 1990, Jean Bousquet visited Argentina and discovered the unique climate and high-altitude terroir of the Uco Valley. This region’s intense sunlight, cool nights, and natural irrigation from the Andes offered ideal conditions for organic farming, which aligned with Jean’s interest in low-intervention practices.
In 1997, Jean Bousquet moved from France to Argentina to launch the winery, bypassing the French wine industry’s regulatory constraints, high costs, and competitive pressures. By establishing Domaine Bousquet in an emerging wine region, he created a space for innovation, applying French winemaking expertise to a New World setting.
Anne Bousquet’s Role in the Organic Wine Movement
Anne Bousquet initially pursued a career in economics, earning an MBA from Florida International University. However, she was drawn back to her family’s wine business in 2005 when her father invited her and her husband, Labid al Ameri, to explore the European market for Domaine Bousquet wines. A successful venture in Düsseldorf led to significant contracts in Europe, and in 2008, Anne and Labid moved to Tupungato, Argentina, to expand the winery’s organic vineyards. By 2012, theyrelocated to Miami to manage U.S. operations and establish Origins Organic for U.S. imports, a move that accelerated Domaine Bousquet’s growth and influence in the organic wine sector.
Today, Anne Bousquet and her husband, Labid al Ameri, oversee all aspects of Domaine Bousquet’s operations, focusing on sustainable and organic wine production. The winery, which produces about one million bottles annually, emphasizes eco-friendly practices, achieving 97.6% waste recycling and substantial organic composting in 2024. Each Earth Day, Domaine Bousquet publishes a sustainability report, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Challenges and Innovations in Winemaking
Domaine Bousquet operates in Mendoza, a region known for its dry, sunny climate, which is ideal for grape cultivation but also presents challenges like water scarcity and extreme weather events. Organic practices add further complexity, requiring innovative pest management and soil care solutions. Domaine Bousquet’s vineyards span 672 acres in Gualtallary, with an altitude of 4,000 feet, enhancing its wines’ intensity and natural acidity.
Key Varietals and Production
Domaine Bousquet’s offerings include iconic Argentine reds like Malbec, known for its dark fruit and spice, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with blackcurrant and herbal notes. Other red varietals include Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, each contributing unique characteristics to their blends. For white wines, Domaine Bousquet features Chardonnay, Torrontés (an Argentine specialty with floral aromas), Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Each varietal is carefully crafted to highlight the balance, flavor, and natural acidity made possible by the high-altitude, organic terroir.
Sustainability Initiatives and Industry Leadership
Domaine Bousquet is a pioneer in sustainable wine production, consistently adopting practices that reduce environmental impact. In 2022, it earned B Corp certification and became the first non-U.S. wine estate to achieve Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC)™ status. Recently, the winery increased its production of still wines in lightweight bottles, a shift that reduces waste and carbon emissions. Domaine Bousquet is committed to further reducing its bottle weight by 2026, as part of the October 2023 Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR) Bottle Weight Accord.
About the Wines
- Ameri Single Vineyard Organic2021 (Red Blend)
This wine beautifully exemplifies the distinctive character of a high-altitude organic red blend crafted from Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, with potential accents of Merlot and Syrah (blending may vary slightly by vintage). Sourced from the renowned Tupungato sub-region in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, this wine captures the unique terroir and organic approach of Domaine Bousquet. –
Upon nosing, expect a layered bouquet rich in black cherry, ripe plum, and blackberry, complemented by refined hints of spice and chocolate. A subtle yet inviting vanilla note rounds out the aromatic profile, adding elegance.
This wine offers a full-bodied mouthfeel, presenting a velvety texture and well-defined structure. The tannins are harmoniously balanced, and the vibrant acidity imparts a lively freshness, setting this wine apart. Subtle oak influences integrate beautifully with the wine’s intense dark fruit character, adding depth without overshadowing it. The finish is long and refined, with lingering flavors of dark fruit and a touch of spice that remains on the palate, creating an enduringly smooth conclusion.
The wine’s smooth, fruit-forward style pairs exceptionally well with various hearty dishes, making it versatile and suitable for special occasions and memorable everyday meals.
2. Domaine Gran Bousquet Organic 2022 (Malbec)
This wine exemplifies high-altitude, organic winemaking from the Uco Valley in Mendoza. The 2022 vintage showcases the vibrant character of a young Malbec, offering impressive structure and complexity that distinguishes it from many others in its category.
The wine displays a deep purple color and enticing aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, with subtle hints of vanilla and spice. Rich fruit notes are complemented by delicate hints of violet and undertones of mocha. On the palate, it presents a harmonious balance of ripe fruit and earthy nuances, supported by smooth tannins that lead to a long, velvety finish. A gentle oak influence adds complexity, introducing notes of vanilla and toasted cocoa. The finish is both lengthy and smooth, with a touch of minerality and lingering dark fruit flavors, enhanced by warming hints of spice.
3. Gaia Organic Pinot Noir Rose (2021)
This is an expressive and elegant rosé from the high-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley, Mendoza. Known for its organic and sustainable practices, this winery produces a vibrant Pinot Noir rosé that captures the purity and freshness of its unique terroir.
The first view of this delicious wine presents a beige pink/coral hue. The wine opens with bright and fresh aromas of strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry, complemented by subtle floral hints of rose petals and a touch of citrus zest.Light to medium-bodied with a crisp and refreshing acidity, this rosé delivers a beautifully balanced palate. Juicy red berry flavors lead, with notes of cranberry and a hint of watermelon. The texture is smooth and clean, enhanced by a mineral edge that reflects the wine’s high-altitude origin.The finish is lively and refreshing, with lingering notes of bright red fruit and a gentle, mouthwatering acidity.This rosé is perfect for warm weather, though its complexity makes it enjoyable year-round.
Gaia is widely appreciated for its vibrant fruit character, crisp acidity, and clean finish. It’s an excellent choice for those who seek a sophisticated yet approachable organic rosé that captures the freshness and liveliness of the Uco Valley’s terroir.
4. Virgen Vineyards USDA Organic (2023)
This a young, approachable wine reflecting Virgen Vineyards’ dedication to organic and sustainable practices. Grown in prime vineyard sites, this wine combines varietal purity with a clean, fruit-forward profile that showcases the unique character of its region.
In the glass, the 2023 vintage displays a vibrant ruby color that hints at its youthful liveliness and depth. The wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe red and dark fruits such as cherry, blackberry, and plum, alongside delicate notes of fresh herbs and earth. There are subtle hints of pepper and cedar that add complexity.
Medium-bodied with a soft, rounded texture, the palate is vibrant with red and dark berry flavors like raspberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry. A balanced acidity adds freshness, while soft tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. There’s a light oak influence, with hints of vanilla and spice enhancing the wine’s layered character. The finish is smooth and lingering, with pleasant earthy undertones and a final touch of fruit and gentle spice.
This wine exemplifies organic winemaking with purity and freshness at its core. It’s ideal for those seeking a flavorful, eco-conscious choice that is approachable yet satisfying.
