# Gaia Red Blend (2024)

- **Producer:** Domaine Bousquet
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €17
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, black pepper, vanilla, cedar, toast

## About this wine

Domaine Bousquet was established in 1997 by Jean Bousquet, who relocated from Carcassonne in southwestern France to Mendoza's high-altitude Gualtallary district. The estate pioneered organic viticulture in this remote Andean enclave, situated at 1,200 meters above sea level. Named after the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, the Gaia bottling reflects the estate's dedication to organic, biodynamic, and regenerative viticultural practices on virgin mountain soil.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Gaia, the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth, reflecting Domaine Bousquet's commitment to nature.
- Domaine Bousquet was the first winery outside the US to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC).
- Vineyards sit at 1,200 meters elevation in Gualtallary, irrigated purely with Andean snowmelt.

## Food pairing

The structured tannic backbone and vibrant mountain acidity require robust protein-rich dishes. The high fat content in red meats binds with tannins, creating a balanced and harmonious dining experience.

## Wine making process

Crafted from 100% certified organic and Demeter-certified biodynamic estate grapes harvested in Gualtallary. The winemaking process begins with a 72-hour cold maceration, followed by a 12-day temperature-controlled fermentation at 27°C using selected yeasts. Post-fermentation maceration lasts 14 days to enhance extraction. The wine undergoes 10 months of aging in French oak barrels.