When I opened the wine it was as closed down as an old factory. That thing said nothing, true to nature of some young red spanish wines.
WINE DETAILS:
Grape: Alicante Bouschet
Alcohol: 14.5%
Wine: Bala Perdida
Vintage: 2018
Winery: Bodegas Arraez
PDO: Alicante
Location: Valencia, Spain
Date: 6/30/21
Distributor: Fine Wine Imports
Curious Synonyms: Garnacha Tintotera, Alicante Henri Bouschet, Pe de Pombo, Uva di Spagna, Bojadiserka
Nerd Alert: Crossing of Petit Bouschet and Grenache, and was first cultivated by viticulturalist Henri Bouschet in 1866. In a blend, Alicante Bouschet contributes soft texture and desirable color. During the time of Prohibition in the United States, Alicante Bouschet was often grown in California and sold as table grapes. It has a long history in the wine world but lost ground in the late 20th Century in favor of more fashionable international varieties.
Personal Note: Never tried this grape. I just thought Garnacha Tintorera was another name for Garnacha. So I ignored it. I have to tell you, as I grow closer to 100, I’m questioning the sole grape genetics route I’ve taken. I’ve discussed what I’m doing with other experts and aficionados and I’m aware terroir and climate are relevant to the grape development, not just DNA. I guess, I’m mutating on the issue.
I’ve known about this wine now for a while (single varietal unbeknownst) and the artwork on all of Arraez wines are attention grabbing. I’ve always admired producers that dedicate time to the labels to tell a story. To show us the time they dedicated to it. After all, grape facts alone don’t sell wine.
When I opened the wine it was as closed down as an old factory. That thing said nothing, true to nature of some young red spanish wines. But as expected, with a little bit of time it started blabbing. The first thing I noticed was the smokiness mixed up with vainilla. Oh man! I don’t smoke but for a second I imagined that’s how vainilla flavored cigars smell like. There was also the expected red fruits, the tannins were tamed and the acidity palpable. Really good wine. Served blindly, I don’t know if I could pinpoint it to Spain. I mean this is a coastal hot climate red and it’s not like that’s not becoming more of a thing nowadays.
Thoughts?
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*Sources for the wine facts are from: Wine Searcher, Wikipedia, Vivino, wine.com, and the wineries websites.
