The Vigneview Verdict
I’ve managed to escape the hustle and bustle of London and spend some quality time away in Alicante, Spain. Goodness knows how much I’ve been longing for a proper holiday! I can’t think of a better way to enjoy this well-deserved break than to indulge in the incredible wines and foods of the Valencia region. If you’ve never had a wine from this region, then I suggest starting with this gorgeously floral and fruity Marina Alta 2020 Blanco Gran Selección from Bocopa Bodegas made from 100% Muscat of Alexandria grapes.
Considered to be one of the oldest, genetically unmodified vitis vinifera varieties in the world, Muscat of Alexandria is a versatile, healthy variety that is rather easy to cultivate. Additionally, it’s an extremely versatile variety that can be used to make a range of wine styles from still, sweet, sparkling to fortified.
Muscat of Alexandria thrives in the Alicante DOP region’s warm, Mediterranean climate, where it can fully ripen and express true varietal characteristics. Dry white wines are made from the Muscat of Alexandria grape in the Marina Alta sub-region of the Alicante DOP, which is located northwest of Benidorm along the ocean. This sub-region benefits from more moderate temperatures, greater rainfall and cooling maritime influences which enable the Muscatel of Alexandria grapes to retain more acidity; therefore, grapes from this region are best suited for dry white wine production.
This Marina Alta 2020 Blanco Gran Selección wine from Bocopa Bodegas, exudes pronounced white blossom aromas, along with grapey notes that are immediately associated with this variety. Additionally, it has medium acidity, low alcohol and subtle citrus and stonefruit flavours on a medium finish brimming with noticeable salinity.
The grapes were gently destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the incredible acacia blossom aromas and characteristic grapey notes.
Food Pairing
This Marina Alta 2020 Blanco Gran Selección pairs perfectly with a lazy summer’s afternoon and a spread of incredible Spanish cheeses, cured meats, fruits and whatever local delights you can find! The cheeses for this spread are both from Lidl. One is a Manchego DOP and the other is a cheese infused with Whiskey and Nuez (Walnuts). Both go really well with a crusty baguette slice and a slice of chorizo.
Salud! x
Producer: Bocopa Bodegas, Marina Alta
Country: Spain
Region: Alicante DOP
Vintage: 2020
Grapes: Muscat of Alexandria
Closure: Screw Cap
Style: Still
Price: €5 (purchased from Lidl in Alicante)
Colour: Pale straw
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: Medium
Alcohol: 11%
Body: Light
Aromas/Flavours:
Floral: Acacia blossoms
Fruit: Grape notes
Citrus: Lemons and limes
Stone fruit: Peaches
Other: Salinity and minerality
Drinking Window: 2022
Awards: Gold Medal ~Frankfurt International Trophy ~ 2018
Silver Medal ~ Berliner Wein Trophy ~ February 2016