Alicante Bouschet (Al-uh-con’tay Boo-shay’)

Country: France

Color: Red

What is the Alicante Bouschet wine grape and what food do you pair it with?

 Ratatouille, Dry Jack cheese, Gouda, Jarlsberg, Braised Chicken, Dried dark fruits, Roasted Duck, Pheasant, Quail, Squab, Lamb Chops, Grilled Mushrooms, French Onion Soup, Pizza, Filet Mignon, Risotto with Mushrooms, tomatoes, Walnuts

 If this grape varietal was an athlete it would be considered a long distance runner for its fortitude and endurance surviving the prohibition against spoilage when being transported in train cars across the country for winemaking in the east coast. Being one of the few grapes that bleeds red not only on the outside but the inside as well, its tannin and forward acidity met with its dark plum and blueberry compote flavors cross the finish line with spice and earth lingering on the finish.