Alicante Bouschet

**Alicante Bouschet** is a red grape created in nineteenth-century France, in the Languedoc lineage of the Bouschet breeders. It is a teinturier, meaning its flesh and juice are red rather than clear, which is unusual among wine grapes. **In the glass** — it produces intensely dark, inky wines with deep purple hues and flavours of blackberry, plum and dark chocolate, backed by robust tannins and full body. Its main historic use was to deepen colour in blends. **Where it grows** — from its French origins it spread widely to Iberia, especially Portugal's Alentejo, as well as Spain, North Africa and California, thriving in warm climates. In the Alentejo it has become a respected varietal wine in its own right, not just a blending grape. **At the table** — stands up to grilled red meats, stews and hearty roasts. **Cellaring** — the more serious examples can age for several years, softening their tannic frame.

Wines

• Albahra — Envínate
• Aluado — Aluado
• Annapurna — Annapurna
• Big Red Beast — Les Producteurs Réunis
• Caburnio — Tenuta Monteti
• Capatosta — Poggioargentiera
• Castillo de Almansa Reserva — Bodegas Piqueras S.A.
• Diamante Doble Vineyards Alicante Bouschet — Fredericksburg Winery
• Diva I — Herdade dos Csaroes
• Grande Reserva Los Arboles — Quinta do Paral
• Julia Lindemann Tinto — Plansel
• La Merica — V. Sattui Winery
• Les Alcusses — Celler del Roure
• Pagani Ranch Zinfandel — Ridge Vineyards
• Reserva Tinto — Bajancas
• Sparkling Alicante Bouschet Rosé — Vinden Estate
• Vermell — Celler del Roure