Collection: Alicante Bouschet

Alicante Bouschet is a dark grape variety that stands out for its powerful colour. It belongs to the so-called teinturier grapes, where the juice itself is red-coloured and not just the skin, which gives wines an unusually deep and intense hue. The variety is a cross between Petit Bouschet and Grenache, and it contributes both colour and a pronounced tannin structure.

With us, Alicante Bouschet comes first and foremost from Spain, where the grape is known by the name Garnacha Tintorera. Our selection has its centre of gravity in Castilla y León, and it is from here you find most of our bottles of this characterful variety. In the Spanish wine world the grape often forms part of cuvées rather than standing alone, including in small proportions in the blends from Cigales.

Further to the northwest, too, Alicante Bouschet leaves its mark. In Ribeira Sacra it is used in blends with a share of around 15 percent, where it lifts the colour and body of the local red wines. Historically the grape has also been used for port-style wines, which underlines its ability to give concentration and structure.

Beyond Spain, Alicante Bouschet is also grown in California, and the high colour intensity and tannin structure make it an obvious partner in blends, where it adds backbone and depth. When you choose a wine with Alicante Bouschet, you can therefore count on a full-bodied and robust expression, and the grape often comes into its own best alongside food. Think hearty meat dishes or mature, firm cheeses that can stand up to the tannins.

If you want to explore the variety, Spain is a natural starting point, and the wines from Castilla y León in particular give a good impression of what Garnacha Tintorera can bring to the glass.