This time last year Gary and I had just returned from an amazing adventure to Mendoza, Argentina, toasting and tasting some of the great Malbec wines of the region…and enjoying a little R&R at two amazing places, The Vines of Mendoza in Uco Valley and Cavas Wine Lodge in Lujan de Cuyo. With happy memories dancing around our head, we opened a bottle of Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec ($20) the other evening.

Produced from organically grown grapes in the southern Tupungato part of Uco Valley, where temperatures are slightly cooler than those of the northern parts of Mendoza (remember…Southern Hempishere so as you head south your temperatures cool), and high elevations in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains, ensure brawny, robust, ripe Malbec fruit maintains beautiful freshness. The wine proved to be quite easy and inviting, revealing red cherry, plum, red berries, and earthy, dried mushroom and savory balsamic notes. With it’s approachability, this is a great weeknight wine, pairing well with braised or roasted dishes, including beef, chicken, or a portabello mushrooms roasted with thyme and rosemary.