Variety: 75% Pinot Noir; 25% Chardonnay
Region: Alto Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina
Cost: $13 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Salmon color with delicate bubbles. Red fruit aromas with citric notes. Fresh with medium acidity and fruity finish. Ideal with sea food and fresh dishes.
My Review: We’re hours away from when people around the world will pop bottles of bubbles to celebrate (hopefully) the passing of 2021 and the coming of 2022. So, in that spirit, I thought I would wrap up the year with a bottle of sparkling wine that my wife and I recently opened.
In the glass the Domaine Bousquet Charmat Brut Rose’ was a deep salmon pink color. On the nose I got aromas of raspberry and strawberry. In the mouth the bubbles were small and enjoyable, with floral notes and fruity flavors of raspberry being the most prominent, with just a hint of citrus to balance it out and prevent it from being “sweet.”
My wife and I paired the wine with Chicken Schwarma, and I have to say it was a great choice–the fruit notes were a great counter note to the bold spices of the food without being completely overwhelmed. That being said, pairing this with some fresh light fish like tilapia would be a good option as well; pesto tilapia with some risotto would give a rich, creamy flavor without adding too much weight and would pair wonderfully with this wine.
If you’re looking for a last minute bottle of bubbles to open at midnight, or if you just want some sparkling wine to enjoy by itself or with some food, the Domaine Bousquet Charmat Brut Rose’ is a good, budget-friendly option that won’t blow your mind, but also won’t leave you disappointed and wondering if the calories were worth it.
Editor’s Note: I received this bottle as a free sample for review.
