Grape: Alicante Bouschet
When diving into the realms of Portuguese viticulture, a grape that should be on every wine enthusiast's radar is Alicante Bouschet. From its unique teinturier properties to its power-packed flavour profile, this grape variety offers an experience unlike any other. Teinturier refers to grape varieties that produce red juice, unlike most grapes which produce clear juice. They're often used to add colour to wines. In this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the historical roots, characteristics, prime regions in Portugal, and notable examples of wines featuring Alicante Bouschet.
Origins
Alicante Bouschet, originally bred in France by Henri Bouschet in the 1860s, is a cross between Petit Bouschet and Grenache. While its popularity waned in France, it has found a second home in Portugal. The grape is particularly unique for its teinturier nature, where not just the skin but also the flesh is pigmented, making for deeply coloured wines.
Alicante Bouschet grapes display an arresting visual characteristic. The clusters are medium-sized, densely packed, and bear berries with a deep bluish-black colour, offering a preview of the wine’s complexity and depth.
When it comes to flavours, Alicante Bouschet is often synonymous with richness. One can expect robust notes of black fruits, such as blackberries and black cherries, intertwined with subtle hints of pepper, spice, and sometimes even leather.
With its high tannin content and moderate acidity, Alicante Bouschet wines are well-structured and balanced, making them suitable for long aging periods.
Alicante Bouchet
Alicante Bouschet in Portugal
Alentejo
Alentejo is arguably the beating heart of Alicante Bouschet in Portugal. The warm and dry climatic conditions of this region contribute to the grape’s intense flavours and high tannin levels. Here, Alicante Bouschet often finds itself blended with local grapes like Aragonez and Trincadeira.
Ribatejo
Ribatejo offers another promising home for this grape, but with a touch of finesse due to the slightly cooler climatic conditions. The wines here offer a more balanced, albeit still robust, taste profile.
In the flourishing landscape of Alicante Bouschet wines, several producers have caught the attention of both experts and enthusiasts alike. Each offers a unique take on this incredible grape, ranging from single-varietal expressions to harmonious blends. Below are some distinguished examples worth seeking out.
Esporão AB
One cannot talk about Alicante Bouschet without mentioning Esporão. Produced by Esporão, their Esporão AB is an exemplar of what Alicante Bouschet can achieve in Alentejo. This wine is dense, filled with dark fruit flavours and imbued with an underlying layer of complexity, showcasing the grape's potential in the warm, sun-kissed lands of southern Portugal.
Cartuxa Pêra-Manca
The renowned Cartuxa winery offers Pêra-Manca, a sumptuous blend that includes Alicante Bouschet. This wine presents a refined complexity and depth, achieved through meticulous blending and aging techniques. Pêra-Manca is often considered one of the benchmark wines of Portugal and demonstrates how Alicante Bouschet can elevate a blend to sublime levels.
Mouchão
Another outstanding producer is Mouchão, which focuses exclusively on varietal Alicante Bouschet wines. Mouchão’s offerings are rich, tannic, and built for the long haul. They serve as a definitive example of how well Alicante Bouschet can age, turning into an increasingly nuanced and beguiling wine over the years.
Ravasqueira
Last but not least, Ravasqueira offers a stunning Alicante Bouschet that is worth exploring. Coming from a winery deeply committed to sustainable practices, this wine encapsulates the essence of the grape. It combines vivid fruit flavours with a remarkable tannic structure. The Ravasqueira Alicante Bouschet is often seen as a bridge between the modern and traditional winemaking techniques, offering a wine that is both approachable and sophisticated.
photo: Ravasqueira
With this array of high-quality offerings, you may wonder how to make a selection. Here are some tips:
For the Collector: If you are looking for wines with long aging potential, opt for the Mouchão or Pêra-Manca.
For the Adventurer: If you prefer a robust, fruit-forward experience that is ready to drink now, Esporão AB and Ravasqueira are great choices.
For the Blend Aficionado: Those interested in how Alicante Bouschet performs in blends should try Cartuxa’s Pêra-Manca for an unparalleled taste.
In each of these examples, Alicante Bouschet shines through with its distinctive characteristics, lending a unique touch to the wines it graces. Whether you are just starting your journey into the world of Portuguese wines or are a seasoned connoisseur, these examples offer an exciting way to understand and appreciate the full spectrum of Alicante Bouschet's potential.
Given its robustness, Alicante Bouschet pairs well with hearty meals. It effortlessly complements rich stews, grilled or roasted meats, and even traditional Portuguese dishes like Bacalhau à Brás.
Given their tannic structure, Alicante Bouschet wines have remarkable aging potential. These wines can evolve over many years, revealing increasingly intricate and nuanced characteristics.
Alicante Bouschet may have French roots, but it has found its true home in the vineyards of Portugal. It offers an incredible range of experiences, from its intense colour and robust flavour profile to its remarkable aging potential. Whether you are a seasoned wine aficionado or a casual drinker, this grape variety offers a fascinating journey into the heart of Portuguese wine culture.
Next time you're pondering a foray into the world of Portuguese wines, consider the inimitable Alicante Bouschet. It stands as a testament to the richness and diversity of Portuguese viticulture, blending tradition, innovation, and above all, a captivating palette of flavours and aromas