Alicante wines
In the 19th century, the phylloxera pest brought massive destruction upon the vineyards. Alicante witnessed a decline in winemaking as approximately 100,000 hectares of vineyards were devastated and never fully recovering from the blow. The Vinalopó area surrounding the town of Villena emerged as a pioneer in reviving winemaking in the D.O. Alicante region.
The best wines from Alicante
In the 19th century, the phylloxera pest brought massive destruction upon the vineyards. Alicante witnessed a decline in winemaking as approximately 100,000 hectares of vineyards were devastated and never fully recovering from the blow. The Vinalopó area surrounding the town of Villena emerged as a pioneer in reviving winemaking in the D.O. Alicante region.
While rooted in winemaking tradition, the region embraces modern techniques, producing high-quality wines. In recent years a new wave of producers has emerged, rekindling a focus on the region's distinctive terroir, crafting fresher wines that accentuate the best of indigenous grape varieties.
Wines from Alicante are a perfect example of what Spanish wines can offer.
Other regions
The grapes of wines in Alicante
Alicante is particularly known for producing robust red wines from the Monastrell grape, well-suited to its arid climate. Monastrell also takes centre stage in producing Fondillón, Alicante's renowned sweet wine. Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and other varietals are also present in the variety of wines of Alicante, each with their own winestyles.
White wines from Alicante are also well known, Muscat wines from Marina Alta stand out, featuring an aromatic profile of white flowers and a refreshing acidity. Merseguera and international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are widespread within Alicante. Rosé wines are often made from the Monastrell grape.
The region's sweet wines are mainly made from the monastrell grape, in particular Fondillón. Fortified wines, known as "Mistela," come in red and white variations.
The last decade Alicante is getting known in producing sparkling wines, often made from the moscatel grape.
Terroir of Alicante wines
Alicante has a diverse terroir. The region's soils are mainly dominated by limestone, with coastal areas showcasing more alluvial and clay compositions. These soil variations significantly influence the character and flavor of the wines.
The climate in Alicante is very varied, ranging from Mediterranean conditions in coastal areas to semi-continental features at higher altitudes. Coastal zones have mild winters and hot summers and occasional spring frosts. Elevated areas face more extreme temperature fluctuations, with summer highs around 40ºC and winter lows dropping to 5ºC.
The diverse soils and climate variations in Alicante significantly contribute to the characteristics to the wines.
Classifications of Alicante wines
Under the DO-Alicante certified wineries are divided into Sub-regions within Alicante DOP.
- La Marina Alta is renowned for its lower-alcohol wines, particularly the dry, crisp Muscat of Alexandria white wine.
- La Marina Baja boasts warmer, drier conditions with less rainfall, this zone is characterized by inland vineyards situated around 600 meters above sea level.
- El Comtat is situated in a hilly region with higher altitudes and colder seasons, this area is distinguished by its cultivation of Viognier and Muscat of Alexandria.
- L´Alcoiá is nestled amid mountainous heights, this sub-region experiences extreme temperature ranges.
- Alicantí is central to Alicante’s wine industry, this region benefits from varied altitudes and Mediterranean influences, resulting in the creation of fresh and complex wines.
- Vinalopó Alto has colder winters and warm summers and is a mountainous sub-region.
- Vinalopó Medio is home to most wineries within Alicante DOP, this area exhibits rugged mountains and fertile valleys. It also includes designated grape-growing regions in neighbouring areas such as Abanilla, Jumilla, and Yecla within Murcia.
- Vinalopó Bajo is a valley known for producing fresh and complex wines.
- Parque Natural de las Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja has a unique micro-climate near the La Mata salt lagoon hosts grape varieties such as Muscat of Alexandria and Merseguera.