Alicante Bouschet is a red fleshed grape (most grapes have clear flesh) that is a cross between Petite Bouschet and Grenache with the parents of Petite Bouschet being old varieties called Aramon and Tenturier du Cher from Languedoc, France.  Tenturier means “to dye” as the wine produced are very inky.   It has high yields and easy maintenance.  The skins are extremely thick and easy to transport making it the primary grape used during Prohibition in the U.S. Alicante Bouschet ripens early and with long hanging time becomes a deep purple with high alcohol but light primary bramble aromas.  As it ages, the tertiary aromas come forward of black pepper and sweet tobacco notes.