2022 Ameri Cabernet Sauvignon

2022 Ameri Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

A 100% certified organic robust and full-bodied wine, known for its rich tannins and deep flavors.Intense violet colour. Pronounced aromas of red and black fruits with mineral notes and red pepper. Full-bodied in the mouth, velvety tannins and a long finish.

Grilled Meats

• Steak: The wine’s tannic structure complements the savory depth of a well-marbled, grilled steak, such as ribeye or sirloin.
• Lamb Chops: Herb-crusted lamb chops harmonize with the wine’s bold profile, especially when seasoned with rosemary or thyme.

Braised Dishes:

• Beef Short Ribs: Slow-cooked beef short ribs in a rich sauce match the wine’s depth and complexity.
• Beef Stew with Root Vegetables: The hearty flavors of a beef stew with carrots and potatoes complement the wine’s robust character.

Gourmet Burgers:

• Cheeseburgers: A juicy burger topped with aged cheddar or blue cheese pairs well, as the cheese’s sharpness balances the wine’s intensity.
• Bacon-Wrapped Dates: The sweet and savory combination of bacon-wrapped dates enhances the wine’s fruit notes.

Aged Cheeses:

• Cheddar or Gouda: The pronounced flavors of aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda pair well with the wine’s fruitiness and firm tannins.

Mushroom-Based Dishes:

• Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushroom risotto complement the wine’s depth.
• Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: The meaty texture and umami notes of grilled portobello mushrooms align with the wine’s robust profile.

For optimal enjoyment, serve the 2022 Ameri Cabernet Sauvignon at around 18°C (64°F) and consider decanting it for about an hour before serving to allow its full range of flavors to emerge.

Background

Named for Domaine Bousquet co-owner Labid al Ameri, Ameri is not just “single vineyard” but “specific cluster,” and made only in exceptional years. At 1,200m/4,000 ft, the highest of the estate, the certified-organic vineyard, located in Gualtallary in the Andean foothills, gets a perfect combination of near constant intense daytime sunlight and huge day/night temperature differentials. The result is fruit with increased levels of sugar AND acid, flavor, and aromatics.

Soil

Unique plot in two different types of soil: sandy soil with presence of stone and sandy loam soil with calcareous incrustations. The greater depth of the terroir helps the vines to reach the lower layers of the soil, improving their contact with different minerals from Gualtallary.

Vineyards

Thanks to the dryness of the area and its phylloxera-resistant sandy soil, farming organically at Domaine Bousquet from day one was both possible and smart. The three main factors differentiating this virgin vineyard and its terroir are: the near constant breezes from the Andes to the west which help mitigate heat-stress in this desert-like climate, with its huge day/night temperature differentials, the sandy soils result in low fertility for desirable vine stress and yet are permeable for good drainage. In addition, the prevalence of groundwater, with rainfall averaging a scant 8-inches or less per year, groundwater from Andes snowmelt is vital to irrigate the vines drop-by-drop. In addition to the unique terroir- Roots of organically-grown plants penetrate deeper, absorbing trace minerals that give wines their authentic local taste. Organic farming is healthier for the environment and, vitally, for the people who tend the vines.

Winemaking

Hand harvested in mid-April. Careful hand selection of the bunches and grapes. Fermentation with native yeasts at maximum temperature between 25°C/77°F and 28°C/82°F for 14 days and 20 days of maceration in oak barrels. The fermentation temperature is kept low, allowing the extraction of intense aromas. Every barrel is pressed individually in a manual way. Aged in French oak for 12 months 65% new oak 35% used.

Technical Data

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.5%

Residual Sugar: 2.75

Acidity / PH: 5.40/3.73