Bocopa Bodegas Alcanta Vino Mediterraneo 2020 ~ Red Blend ~ Alicante DOP, Spain

The combination of Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo might sound like a powerful, full-bodied combination in the making. However, this simply isn’t the so in the Alicante DOP! All of these varieties are able to fully ripen in this region, yet due to the Mediterranean’s cooling influences, these grapes present themselves as fresher and fruitier. Monastrell adds some sweet spiciness, black fruit notes and a depth of character to the blend, along with freshness and some acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon adds a bit more body, black cherry and black olive flavours as well as a sufficient amount of tannin on the mid-palate. While Tempranillo adds juicy ripe strawberry and red berry flavours as well as hints of tobacco leaves. This wine is unoaked and as a result, the fresh, fruity flavours can really shine through.

If these grapes were grown in a cooler climate, you would have darker, dried fruit notes with more meaty, savoury qualities shining through. Thank goodness for the range in temperatures of this region. It really enables the grapes to develop such desirable complexities that create beautiful wines!