Grape Variety: Alicante Bouschet

Colour:

Red

Alicante Bouschet, formerly known as a ‘teinturier’ grape (one used to give colour to pale reds) , is still rown in isolated vineyards throughout the Languedoc, Provence and Tuscany. One of its peculiarities is that the juice of the grape is actually red.  Chateau Ollieux Romanis in Corbieres (Jacqueline Bories) makes a 100% Alicante from forty year old vines. The colour is deep purple, opaque yet glossy, the aromas redolent of fresh raspberry jam and the wine is both massive yet supple, all crushed mulberries and damsons…

We would also suggest you try the exceptional Alicante-Syrah blend “Finisterre” from Poggio Argentiera (Gianpaolo Paglia) in the Maremma zone of Tuscany. The wine is vivid purple and the nose reveals fruity aromas enlivened by notes of pepper, the tannins are soft, creating a mouthfilling sensation, while the finish is strong and sweet. Consider also the passito wine from the same estate made from 100% Alicante, a mouth-filling medley of elderflower, sundried tomato, chocolate, spice and fine tannins - excellent with strong cheese or chocolate.