Time for a quick post regarding three new and intriguing additions to our Direct To You wine portfolio; this time from Spain’s Alicante DO.  Alicante is located within the province of Valencia in the southeastern part of the country and can trace its winemaking origins back to the Phoenicians and Romans.  In fact, for a time spanning from the Renaissance to end of the 19^th century, Alicante was considered one of the great wine regions of Europe, its reputation established on the fine Monastrell grape (a.k.a. Mourvedre) and a legendary late-harvest wine produced from it called Fondillón.

Alicante and Fondillón’s fortunes literally changed overnight, thanks mostly to phylloxera, and for much of the 20^th century Alicante became just a footnote in wine history.  Today the emergence of a revitalized Alicante is once again based not only on the region’s Monastrell, but also excellent white varieties like Muscat and Macabeo.  This time the focus is on quality dry wines produced by state-of-the-art wineries embracing modern concepts in both winemaking and agriculture.

Bodegas Bocopa, one of the best cooperatives in the region, brings this mindset to the fore with two terrific values produced from organically grown grapes: Castillo de Alicante Gran Selección Tinto ($7.99), a juicy blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon and Castillo de Alicante Gran Selección Blanco ($7.99) a zesty, crisp white made from Macabeo (a.k.a. Viura).  Try the Tinto with grilled lamb and the Blanco with pan-seared sea scallops.

The winery also produces an excellent semi-dry white, Marina Alta ($10.99), made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape (coincidently, the same grape is used in the production of Italy’s famed semi-sweet fizz, Moscato d’Asti).  However, this Spanish Moscatel is more reminiscent of an off-dry Alsatian-styled Muscat with intense stone fruits and fragrant bouquet.  It’s a match for soft white cheeses like mahón or camembert.

Jim Greeley, SW Florida wine supervisor

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