LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Alicante, a picturesque sub-region nestled within the sun-soaked province of Valencia on the eastern coast of Spain, boasts a captivating environment that beckons wine enthusiasts from around the world. This Mediterranean gem is renowned for its stunning landscapes, where vineyards flourish under the caressing Spanish sun. With a rich viticultural history dating back to Roman times, Alicante has firmly established itself as a prominent player in Spain's winemaking heritage.
Alicante's unique climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters, which provide the perfect conditions for cultivating a variety of grape varietals. Among the most prominent red grape varieties, Monastrell reigns supreme, known for its robust, full-bodied red wines. Garnacha tintorera and Cabernet Sauvignon also thrive in this region, adding diversity to the red wine offerings. These grapes soak up the abundant sunshine and well-drained soils to create wines with intense flavors and a sense of terroir.
Alicante's white wines are equally enticing, with Macabeo, Airén, and Sauvignon Blanc dominating the vineyards. These white grape varieties produce refreshing and aromatic wines, offering a delightful contrast to the region's hearty reds.
Visiting Alicante is a sensory journey through lush vineyards set against a backdrop of breathtaking Mediterranean vistas. The wines that emerge from this region's fertile terroir are a testament to the harmony between the environment and the grapes it nurtures, making Alicante a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a taste of Spanish viticulture at its finest.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
Alicante, a region in southeastern Spain, is known for its wine production. Situated in the Valencian Community, Murcia and Albacete border it to the west, Valencia to the north, the city of Murcia to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the east.
The region is characterized by two distinct climates: the coastal area, called the Marina, has a Mediterranean climate with scorching summers, while the Vinalopó area, which spans from Villena to Pinoso, is more continental and dry, with annual rainfall of just 300 mm.
The soils in Alicante vary from sandy loam to clay, and have high porosity and drainage, which helps prevent the growth of fungi harmful to the vine.
Most Planted Red Grape Varieties: Monastrell, Garnacha tintorera, Cabernet Sauvignon
Most Planted White Grape Varieties: Macabeo, Airén, Sauvignon Blanc
The Alicante DOP (Denominación de Origen Protegida) spans two distinct subzones: Vinalopó (inland), where powerful red wines, especially from Monastrell, dominate, and La Marina (coastal), known for aromatic white and sweet wines like Moscatel de Alejandría. Among these, traditional dessert wine Fondillón stands out as a unique expression of the region's winemaking heritage.
1. Monastrell (Mourvèdre): Monastrell is the principal red variety in Alicante, representing approximately 75% of all plantings in the region. It yields intense, full-bodied wines with deep color, ripe black fruit, and a robust structure. Expressive and well adapted to the hot, dry inland climate of Vinalopó, it often forms the backbone of both single-varietal and blend wines.
2. Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet): Also known as Alicante Bouschet, Garnacha Tintorera is a red-fleshed (teinturier) variety authorized in Alicante. It is valued for contributing deep color and structure when blended with Monastrell.
4. Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscat): In the coastal La Marina subzone, Moscatel de Alejandría is the dominant white grape, especially valued for its aromatic and sweet wine styles. Moscatel-based wines are prized for their floral and fruity aromas along with refreshing acidity.
5. Fondillón: Fondillón is a historic, naturally sweet red wine made from overripe Monastrell grapes. Unlike fortified wines, it achieves sweetness via grape sugars alone, and is aged for a minimum of 10 years in oak. Fondillón is a signature wine of Alicante, deeply rooted in regional tradition and protected under European law.
Copyright © 2024 Vinerra Corp.
