Garnacha Tintorera

It is well known that the vast majority of red grapes have white flesh. The colour of red wine is obtained by macerating the must with the grape skins so that they release their colour and end up staining the wine. However, there is one notable exception to this general rule, namely the so-called tintoreras varieties.

The most popular of the tintoreras varieties is commonly known as Garnacha Tintorera or, more precisely, Alicante Bouschet. Its origins date back to 1866, when scientist and nurseryman Henri Bouschet crossed Garnacha with Petit Bouschet grapes in search of a grape with intense colour that could be blended with other less colourful grapes. At its peak, the grape was planted throughout much of the French vineyard, arriving years later in Spain, Portugal and Italy. Today, it is found almost everywhere in the world, although it is clearly in decline. Other varieties, considered to be of higher quality, have taken their place, but it is undeniable that when interpreted properly, it continues to offer truly impressive wines.

It buds early and produces a good amount of fruit that only ripens well with plenty of sunshine; it is quite sensitive to frost but resistant to drought. The colour of its wines is intense and the robe can be completely opaque; juicy, tannic and concentrated, its aromas become herbaceous if the grape is not fully ripe. It is often used in blends to add colour and, in some cases, as a single variety.