This variety was employed at the last stages of the last century mainly to add color to other wines. Thus its role remained limited to bulk selling. Even though it can be found in areas as diverse as Galicia or Extremadura, it is in the area of Almansa as well as other zones in south-eastern Spain where it has gained its highest importance. It is internationally known as Alicante Bouschet. This variety is the result of a double crossing. Firstly the Aramon variety, which predominates in the French “Midi” (Languedoc-Roussillon), was crossed with the Teinturier du Cher, originating the Petit Bouschet. This new variety was then crossed with Garnacha (known as Alicante in Franca), creating then the Alicante Bouschet: resistant to drought and extreme weathers and with high coloring ability.
Characteristic aromas: Since we typically find this variety accompanying others, it is difficult to define its own characteristic aromas. We can highlight the black fruits aromas (blackberry). If the grapes were not completely ripen, we can also find vegetable aromas. Even floral ones can be found in this variety.
