Alicante

Grape variety	Alicante
Synonyms	Garnacha Tintorera, Alicante Bouschet, Uva di Spagna, Alicant de Pays, Tinto, Tinta, Garnacha, Aragonais, Aragonés
Grape colour	Red grape
History	The Alicante grape is a hybrid variety, a product of the 19th century viticulture innovation. The grape was created by Henri Bouschet, who cross-bred Grenache and Petit Bouschet. Alicante is unique for its deep, red-fleshed berries, a trait it inherited from Petit Bouschet. The grape has been cultivated in many parts of the world including France, Spain, and Portugal. In Italy, it's mainly grown in the region of Puglia, where it's used for blending in several DOC wines.
Ampelographic features	Alicante's leaves are medium-sized, pentagonal, and occasionally roundish. The petiolar sinus is U-shaped, wide or lyre-shaped. The upper lateral sinuses are shallow, forming a V shape that's either overlapping or somewhat open. The berries are medium-sized, ovoid or spherical, with a blue-black skin that's evenly coloured, waxy, thick, and firm. The pulp is juicy, simple, and sweet, with a slightly coloured juice.
Characteristics of the wine	Alicante grapes create a wine that is ruby red with hints of purple reflections. On the palate, it's dry and vinous, with a round body. The wine offers a fragrant bouquet, with a robust, full-bodied taste. It's often used in blends to add colour and body to the final product.