“There is a big prejudice in Argentina and Brazil regarding the quality of organic wines, which does not happen in the rest of the world…”
Anne Bousquet is the CEO and co-founder of the winery Domaine Bousquet and the president and co-founder of Origins Organic Imports. Bousquet is an economist from l’Université de Toulouse, with a master’s degree in applied economics from Saint Cloud State University.
Domaine Bousquet is one of the 20 wineries that most export in Argentina, focused on the production of organic wines.
Anne Bousquet, CEO and co-founder of Domaine Bousquet
AgriBrasilis – Can organic wines be considered “fine wines”?
Anne Bousquet – There is a big prejudice in Argentina and Brazil about the quality of organics wines, which does not happen in the rest of the world. Our production is of a high standard, with quality supported by the main specialized publications in the sector and by international critics. Organic wine has the potential to participate in rankings alongside the best wines from the Old and New World, whether conventional or organic.
AgriBrasilis – Why did you choose to make organic wines?
Anne Bousquet – The production of organic wines is necessary because it is essential to take care of the future. The problems caused by climate change are clear and affect our raw material and, consequently, the final product. In addition to the environmental impact, it is also important to consider the economic sustainability and social context of each organization in order to enable production.
AgriBrasilis – You said that moisture is the number one enemy of organic wines. Why?
Anne Bousquet – Moisture generates favorable conditions for the development of microorganisms that cause disease and rot in the plant and its fruits. In a humid climate, like France, for example, reaching the right point of maturation with healthy grapes is very complicated. Moisture and rain can lead to crop loss.
AgriBrasilis – What climatic characteristics define the “terroir” of the wines made at the Mendoza region?
Anne Bousquet – The climatic and soil conditions are ideal for growing organic vines. It is a cold region due to its altitude, desert climate, and low rainfall. Mendoza also has a wide temperature range between day and night, which allows the grapes to reach the right level of ripeness, with good acidity. This region is recognized for the production of high-quality wines.
AgriBrasilis – How is the phytosanitary and nutritional management of the vines carried out?
Anne Bousquet – All of our practices are focused on soil health. We use natural processes, such as composting, which contributes to the addition of organic matter, nutrition, increase in microbiology and soil structure.
We also reduce tillage, which allows roots and beneficial bacteria to develop and reduces the need for fertilizer. Other practices are minimal mobilization, rotational grazing, and the use of cover crops. These practices help to reduce erosion and the loss of soil organic matter, increasing its biodiversity and fertility, in addition to creating a more harmonious and nutritious ecosystem. All of this results in healthier plants that do not need pesticides.
AgriBrasilis – The winery has regenerative certification. What does that mean?
Anne Bousquet – We hold biodynamic (Demeter) and regenerative (ROC) agriculture certification. This certifies us in three areas: soil health and land management, animal welfare, and equity between farmers and workers.
Regenerative viticulture tries to recover and preserve the health of soils that have undergone many interventions over the years. This form of production results in healthier grapes, which produce good yeast and, consequently, result in good fermentation. This avoids the need to make “corrections” during the wine production process.
AgriBrasilis – How big is the organic wine market?
Anne Bousquet – The amount sold of organic wines has shown growth in most markets, with a global increase of 5% per year between 2017 and 2022.
Since the pandemic, demand for organic products has increased worldwide. The consumption habits are changing. The consumers want healthier products and want to know about the ingredients, the origin, and the way the product was made.
AgriBrasilis – Are organic wines more expensive?
Anne Bousquet – Not necessarily. Organically grown vines have lower yields, but when regenerative and biodynamic practices are used over several years, the vines become progressively healthier and more productive.
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