Alicante Bouschet: The Bold and the Beautiful
Alicante Bouschet, a grape with a vibrant personality and a unique story, is making a comeback in the wine world. Known for its deep color, bold flavors, and intriguing history, this teinturier grape is capturing the attention of adventurous wine lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary.
A Colorful History:
Created in the mid-19th century by French botanist Henri Bouschet, Alicante Bouschet is a crossing of Petit Bouschet and Grenache. Its defining characteristic? It's a teinturier grape, meaning both its skin and flesh are red, resulting in wines with intense color and rich fruit flavors.
A Journey Through Terroir:
While Alicante Bouschet has a strong presence in its native France, it has also found welcoming homes in other regions:
- France: In the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, Alicante Bouschet thrives in the warm, sunny climate, producing full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors and firm tannins.
- Portugal: Alicante Bouschet is a key player in the Alentejo region of Portugal, where it contributes deep color and structure to red blends.
- California: California's warm climate has proven ideal for Alicante Bouschet, with vineyards in Lodi and Paso Robles producing bold and expressive wines.
- Israel: Alicante Bouschet is gaining traction in Israel, where it thrives in the warm, dry climate, producing wines with concentrated flavors and a distinctive character.
A Flavorful Encounter:
Alicante Bouschet wines are known for their deep color, full body, and bold flavors. Expect a captivating symphony of:
- Dark Fruit: Blackberry, black cherry, and plum dominate, often accompanied by notes of dried fig and prune.
- Spice: Hints of black pepper, licorice, and clove add complexity and depth.
- Earth: Subtle earthy notes, like tobacco, leather, and graphite, contribute to the wine's overall character.
- Oak: Many Alicante Bouschet wines are aged in oak barrels, adding vanilla, cedar, and toasty notes.
Food Pairing Adventures:
Alicante Bouschet's bold flavors and structure make it a perfect companion for hearty dishes. Consider pairing it with:
- Grilled meats: Steak, lamb chops, and game meats stand up beautifully to the wine's tannins.
- Hearty stews: Beef stew, lamb stew, and other rich, slow-cooked dishes complement the wine's complexity.
- Aged cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and other aged cheeses provide a delicious counterpoint to the wine's bold flavors.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate, with its bitter notes, can be a surprisingly delicious pairing with Alicante Bouschet.
Exploring Alicante Bouschet:
Ready to embark on an Alicante Bouschet adventure? Here are a few producers to seek out:
- Domaine de la Mordorée (France): This renowned Languedoc producer crafts elegant and age-worthy Alicante Bouschet wines.
- Herdade do Esporão (Portugal): This Alentejo estate produces a range of wines, including a noteworthy Alicante Bouschet blend.
- Michael David Winery (California): This Lodi winery crafts bold and expressive Alicante Bouschet wines with a distinctive California flair.
Uncorking the Boldness:
Alicante Bouschet, with its deep color, bold flavors, and intriguing history, is a grape that deserves to be rediscovered. So, venture beyond the familiar and explore the unique delights of this versatile variety. Cheers to new discoveries!