Review: 2022 Domaine Bousquet Alavida Malbec

By Rob Theakston | June 15, 2023 |

Alavida is a wine carrying an impressive roll call of health-conscious bona fides. More specifically, it’s USDA-certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, and kosher.

Quite a bit of effort goes into the production of this Malbec. Grapes are harvested from the higher-altitude vineyards of Domaine Bousquet’s estate and must be high in acidity as there is no added SO2 to help preserve the wine. All ingredients must be kosher and are made by a sabbath-observant Jewish team under the close supervision of a Rabbi. As a result, double the number of people were involved in the winemaking process. If non-Jewish workers laid hands on any portion of the process, the winery stood to lose nearly 5,000 liters of wine. The wine was locked down at day’s end, and not even lead winemaker Rodrigo Serrano could sample its progress. All these little things to arrive at the big thing: cracking this open and giving it a try.

There are moments when Malbec often needs a bit of time decanted or resting in the glass to figure itself out, but this is bright and lovely straightaway, full of plum and Bing cherry making a transition to an earthier palate of chocolate, dried fig, and floral notes. Soft tannins and lively acidity assist in bringing these elements together on a lengthy, nuanced finish.

The 2021 vintage delivered an experience worthy of high praise at an affordable price point. This year’s offering carries on building Alavida’s reputation of quality, repeating the endeavor with ease.

A- / $19 / domainebousquet.com