Alicante Bouschet is a red-fleshed (teinturier) crossing of Petit Bouschet and Grenache, bred by Henri Bouschet in 1866 in France. Both parents are Vitis vinifera, making it a crossing rather than a hybrid. Its red pulp — rare among wine grapes — allows winemakers to deepen color and extract in blends without maceration. Planted across southern France, Spain, and Portugal, and still grown in California.
Flavors & Aromas
Dark berries, plum, licorice, spice, with earthy and peppery undertones
Winemaking & Aging
High color extraction and tannin levels make it valuable for blending and color enhancement. Produces full-bodied wines with good aging potential, typically 5-10 years. Performs well in warm climates and is relatively disease-resistant.
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