Swirl, Sniff, Sip: Gougenheim Malbec Bubbles Sparkling Rosé

“I love Malbec and I love bubbles.”

That’s the first line you’ll find on the back of a bottle of Gougenheim - and I couldn’t agree with it more. I’ve had this bottle chilling in my cupboard since I bought it from Grand Cata almost two years ago, and decided to break it out because, rosé season is indeed upon us. More over, I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of a sparkling Malbec. Y’all know that I love me a good, fruit forward red wine from Argentina (Mendoza) with a dope tannic and acidic structure. Add some bubbles

A few quick facts about Malbec: Mendoza produces 75 percent of the worlds Malbec wines. Specifically in Argentina, altitude is a major key in the quality of the wine and can determine its acidic and tannin structure depending on elevation. Now with this particular bottle of sparkling Malbec, it was produced in a similar fashion to that of Champagne or Cava - meaning that after the grapes go through their traditional pressing, they experience not one, but two cycles of fermentation (the Carbon Dioxide (aka BUBBLES) comes during the second cycle) before they sit for about six to eight weeks and then have sugar added to determine its sweetness. (Learn more about the process here).

Peep my tasting notes:

On the eyes and nose: strong blush color (almost a pretty deep copper pink?) sweet florals and honey

On the palate: this bottle has tiny bubbles (with a whole lot of BAWDY) and notes of bright, ripe red fruit (think cherry, strawberry and raspberry). It finishes with a fresh and subtle sweetness that makes you want to shimmy and/or hit you two step.

On the wallet: Between $13 and $15 and 12% alcohol, this will most certainly be a bottle that I keep on deck throughout the summer to pair with a yummy charcuterie board, beef ribs and barbecued chicken.

Cheers!