Alicante Bouschet Wine

Wines crafted from Alicante Bouschet are typically robust and full-bodied, offering rich dark-fruit flavors such as blackberries, blueberries and black cherries, with moderate to high tannins. Aging in oak often enhances these wines, adding notes of sweet spice, smokiness and earthiness. In warm climates like Portugal, Alicante Bouschet wines tend to feature higher levels of alcohol, body and tannins, making them even more powerful and structured.

The name Alicante Bouschet honors both the grape’s origins and its creator. This unique variety is a cross between Grenache (often referred to as Alicante in southern France) and Petit Bouschet. It was developed in the mid-1800s by botanist Henri Bouschet. For those wondering about the correct Alicante Bouschet pronunciation, it’s “Ah-lee-KAHN-tay Boo-SHAY.”

Dark fruits like blackberries, blueberries and black cherries dominate the flavors of Alicante Bouschet wines. When aged in oak, these wines often develop additional layers of sweet spice, along with smoky and earthy undertones.

Alicante is a teinturier grape, meaning it has both red skin and red flesh. This unique trait allows it to create bold, full-bodied, fruit-forward and powerful wines. Its deep, dark flavor profile makes it a perfect match for hearty dishes like pork, steak, braised red meats, sausage and hearty stews (with or without meat).