The Alicante vine

The very special combination of soil, temperature, climate and relative humidity, sets the Alicante landscape to be very suitable for vineyard development.

In fact, history testifies the successful development of many acres and a wealth of varieties in all regions.

This is particularly noticeable within the more rural and very fertile areas around the city of Alicante.

To this day a wide variety of these vines can be found, but the most commonly found and best adapted to the area are the following vines:

 Moscatel of Alexandria| Monastrell | Alicante Bouschet

Although the Mediterranean climate is kind to the vines, it can also conceal some very different conditions.

This can be particularly true in the case of the diversity of climates in Alicante.

From the humidity and rich soil in the Marina Alta area to the extreme temperatures in winter and summer in the Vinalopo region.

The extreme weather changes of Vinalopo demonstrates how the vines have adapted to suit the climate.

Moscatel of Alexandria is a grape variety used in the making of wine, for table fruit and for the production of raisins.

The plants create a specific landscape and a very personal culture in La Marina Alta, which displays a vast environmental diversity.

The ‘Organoleptic’ value of the Moscatel of Alexandria grape is immense, particularly its aromatic potency and its versatility to make wine ranging from white wines, sparkling wines and a wide variety of liqueurs.

The large size of the vines, especially in the older plants and the vines which have been planted in particularly fertile lands, prominently display a very green and charming landscape.

The harvest of this grape is one of the earliest in Spain. Due to the Mediterranean’s high temperatures in summer, the riping of the fruit is gradual and steady.

The picking of the fruit usually begins in mid-August. The good health of the plant is a characteristic feature due to the area having very few threats.

Perhaps the Moscatel grape is the most representative of the Mediterranean due to its diverse variety of use. It has been present throughout history and in ancient civilizations.

It has had a strong relationship with humankind at all levels of its uses, from the planting of the vine to the transformation into wine.

The vines can often be found in country homes next to other Mediterranean crops.

In addition, it is an honour for PDO to have the Moscatel grape including in their wine production.

Monastrell from Alicante

In the region further south, the best grape representative of its history and terrain is Monastrell. According to the PDO of Alicante, the Monastrell grapes represents 75% of the crop in all major regions as well as offering a better variety.

In this case, we speak of a variety of grape which is renown in the Mediterranean and is able to convey its value through the wine made from it.

These wines have a strong, dark purple colour, with full body. The grapes have absorbed many hours of the region’s daylight.

As a result, these wines have a high ‘fenolic’ quantity with a high percentage of ‘resveratrol’, the best antioxidant for mankind.

The vine is medium in size but very compact and strong which is capable of withstanding long hours of sunshine.

Dry conditions in the region have made the plants become strong and dense giving great aromatic power and versatility.

This produces wines which are of single variety or ‘coupage’ wines, as well as liqueur wines and of course the Fondillón.

Furthermore, the grapes can become overripe on the vine under specific conditions due to the quantity of sugar.

The main difference between Monastrel from Alicante and other Monastrell grapes from nearby regions is its freshness and versatility to be successfully combined with other grapes to produce wine.

Alicante Bouschet is the most famous variety that has given Alicante and its wine regions a reputation for colour.

Known as ‘Garnacha Tintorera’ in its homeland, it is recognized as Alicante Bouschet around the rest of the world.

It is a unique variety due to the inside of the grape being the same colour as its skin. It is very desirable to wine makers due to its immense colour, which gives it’s character to the wines in Alicante made from this grape.

The Bouschet vine is large and the integrity of the plants natural growth is respected.

The high quality of terrain with its specific components gives extra value to the crop which is recognized by the consumers.

Although today there is less planting of the vines, there is evidence of its importance and how today Bouschet is used to supplement other varieties of wines, giving a touch of ‘earth’ and personality associated with the landscape of Alicante.