Spain — wine

Alicante DO

Spain's southeastern coastal wine region, centered on Alicante province and the Marina Alta sub-zone near Dénia. The Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grape dominates, producing wines of deep color, dark fruit concentration, and spice in the Mediterranean limestone and clay soils. Alicante is also home to Fondillón — one of Spain's most historically prestigious wines, an aged Monastrell wine minimum 10 years old that was Spain's most celebrated wine in the Renaissance courts of Europe. The Marina Alta sub-zone around Dénia produces the indigenous Moscatel Romano (Muscat of Alexandria) in elegant sweet and dry styles.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Balanced Mediterranean vintage with characteristic Alicante Monastrell depth and lavender.
2022 Record quality; old-vine Monastrell earning highest scores in appellation history.
2021 Strong Monastrell season; Alicante appearing in international value red wine guides.
2020 Solid year; Alicante wines resilient in Spanish domestic market.
2019 Strong vintage; Fondillón ancient style attracting auction house interest.
2018 Exceptional conditions; Marina Alta Moscatel achieving rare floral concentration.
2017 Reliable vintage; Alicante DO gaining recognition as value alternative to Priorat.
2016 Strong season; El Sequé earning 93 points from Wine Advocate.
2015 Outstanding Monastrell vintage; old-vine Alicante achieving extraordinary concentration.