2024 Bosward Alicante

Alicante has a long history with Australian fortified wine. It was developed in the late 1800’s by Henri Bouschet by crossing Grenache and other red varieties, hence its long name Alicante Bouschet. He propagated about a dozen results. The one we use today is clone Number 5, as in Chanel.

It is a red variety, but what sets it apart is its red flesh. Almost all red grapes have a white pulp with black/red skins, and that’s where the colour is derived. Bosward Alicante is made the same way as a white variety, the red juice providing all the colour required and compares to some lighter dry red wines. A little sugar that is left after the ferment enhances the luscious flavours this variety is liberal with. A South Australian specialty.

Serve chilled or even over ice.

Colour:               Cherry red

Nose:                  Red and black berries of all origins. Boiled lollies.

Palate:                Tangy Cherry

Alcohol:              12.0%

"Thumbing a nose at Rockford? Maybe. The red pulp variety is in good spirits here. Nice to see a rosé-esque wine settle into its pace with a little extra bottle time.

A good dose of rose hip tea, red cherry, pomegranate juice, then curious qualities of lipstick and blood orange. It feels slippery, soft, a little washy, a little bit of tomato leaf in here too. Good drinking in a simple sense, and won’t disappoint for those seeking that hit of alt-Alicante that they may be familiar with. Does make for good times. Simple, done well."

90 points, The Winefront ,Mike Bennie. Aug 2025

Drink 2025-2027