Guide : Alicante | Buy Wines, Spirits, Liqueurs from Weavers of Nottingham

Alicante

Alicante sits on Spain's east coast and opens out onto the Mediterranean Sea. In the 16th Century it had a good export market for its table wines market to Holland, England, Scotland and Nordic countries. It is even referred to in Alexandre Dumas's 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. It has a reputation for bulk wine but this is beginning to change in the favour of quality. There are two sub regions to this DO, one coastal and one inland the latter being subject to a continental climate and the former more maritime.

We can't find products matching the selection.

The DO was awarded status in 1957 and is split into two zones. The coastal zone is La Marina while the inland is called Vinalopo.

Vines & Styles

Monastrell/Mourvedre, Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo and Garnacha are the red grapes cultivated here. Moscatel de Alejandria, Alicante Bouchet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are planted for the white wines. Rosado is made from Monastrell. Sweet wines produced under the name Moscatel de Alicante are made well. A unique, oxidised wine produced without fortificartion called Fondillion is also produced here using the Solera system. It's crafted from over ripe Monastrell grapes, is a real find if unearthed and is beginning to gain ground at the moment. The wines produced tend to be punchy and full bodied however modern techniques and blending are producing lighter styles.

Climate & Conditions

The coastal, La Marina, region has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers tempered by coastal breezes. Inland the Vinalopo sub region is affected by a continental climate with very little rainfall.