If you come across this particular Portuguese wine at the Coop, its modest label and unfamiliar name might not immediately catch your eye.
Alicante Bouschet is a varietal developed in the late 19th century by vine breeder Henri Bouschet. Henri crossed one of his father’s hybrids with the Grenache (or Garnacha) grape, resulting in an early-ripening variety with red skin and red flesh, termed a Teinturier red, which is rare. This type of grape, sometimes referred to simply as Alicante, typically provides bold flavours and has a deep colour making it useful for blending with wines to make them darker.
Intriguingly, this 13.5% ABV Alicante Bouschet from S&R Winery stands out as a lighter example of Alicante Bouschet. It has a medium body and fruity undertones, with a possible whisper of orange, culminating in a short to medium, smoky finish.
This wine is available at the Co-op, priced at £8.75, though it is on offer for £8.25 at the time of writing.
