{These wines were received as media samples, no other compensation. Thoughts, opinions are my own.}

While Argentina’s Mendoza region may not be synonymous with sparkling wine,  their bubbles should be on your list of wines to explore. I recently sampled two sparklers which far outshine their price point. Produced in the Charmat method, priced around $13, the Domaine Bousquet Brut and Brut Rosé are excellent Monday, or any day, wines.

The dream of Domaine Bousquet was born over a decade before the first bottles were released. Jean Bousquet found himself enamored with the Gualtallary Valley, the highest extremes of Mendoza. The land was barren, no grapes, no water source, no electricity. But with dreams as lofty as the elevations, Bousquet bought nearly 1000 acres of this land that had what he perceived to be a perfect blend of his French home and New World potential.

Bousquet’s first visit was in 1990, he purchased the land in 1997. After he spent two years digging a 495 foot well, he planted vines, and sold land to further finance the project. He finally was able to release his first vintage in 2005.

This kind of vision and commitment to the land did not stop there. The commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the operation. Organic fruit, reduced carbon footprint in the vineyard. Educational programs, transportation, building infrastructure to benefit the community are all ways that Domaine Bousquet has helped transform the economy of Tupungato where the winery is located.

Beyond the admirable practices, the wines are accessibly priced, versatile, and delicious. I paired the Brut sparkling with our Valentine’s meal of lobster tails (for the boys) and pasta with avocado pesto. I paired the pink with the porch and friends.

The NV Domaine Bousquet Brut, a 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir blend, was pale yellow-green. Vibrant nose, apple, lime festive and delicious. The NV Domaine Bousquet Rosé poured pale salmon, and opens with tart red fruit and finishes with that and citrus and minerals. A fun quaff for summer or any season.

Dinner parties or pool parties, alone or with friends, paired or poured for no reason, consider one of these sparklers from Argentina. In fact, for that price, go ahead and grab both.