Alicante

The Alicante appellation refers to wines produced from grapes grown in the region surrounding this Spanish city. Alicante wines have held the "Denominación de Origen" classification since 1957. The production areas are spread across various parts of the province. The terroir and climate vary across these areas, ranging from the humidity and rich soils of the Marina Alta vineyards to the dry, poor soils of Vinalopó, and including more balanced soils found in the Comtat vineyards, for example.

Alicante wines are made from various grape varieties. Among them is the Muscat of Alexandria, a grape variety used for winemaking, as a table grape, and for producing raisins; it is grown in the Marina Alta region, creating a unique, diverse landscape and a very distinctive culture. However, the most prevalent grape variety remains Monastrell d’Alicante, which blends particularly well with other varieties. It is, however, the Bouschet d’Alicante—whose flesh is the same color as its skin—that gives this appellation its full character, particularly through the color it imparts to the wine and the mineral note associated with the personality of Alicante wines.

Among the wines of the Alicante appellation, Fondillón—made exclusively from Monastrell—stands out particularly for its winemaking methods. Chosen by kings, it is also highly prized by wine enthusiasts. Thus, the Alicante appellation produces both red and white wines whose diversity invites curiosity and exploration. Wineries such as Bodegas Volver, Las Virtudes, and Santa Catalina del Mañán offer a chance to appreciate this diversity.