(ali-KAHN-teh-Bush-eh)
Alicante Bouschet is one of the few red grapes with red flesh. It originated in France and is a result of a science experiment. A botanist named Henri Bouschet wanted to create a grape with high color intensity, fruitiness and productivity so in the mid-1800s he crossed the fruity-tasting Grenache (known as Alicante in southern France) with a teinturier grape developed by his dad, called Petit Bouschet. The vines grow easily with hight yields of grapes. It makes big, juicy red wines and was most often a grape used for blending. Its deep purple color is a rarity and the rich, fruit-forward characteristics have contributed boldness to wine blends since 1866.
Aroma/Flavor Components
Fruits (black cherry, blackberry bramble, black plum) black pepper and sweet tobacco.
Structural Components
Alicante Bouschet is an inky-purple-colored, high-bodied wine with medium-plus levels of tannin and medium levels of acidity.
Significant Locations
France, California, Spain (Castilla-La Mancha), Chile, Africa, Portugal (Alentejo)
