Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Alicante Bouschet 2012, Dempel Vineyard, Mendocino County, California

Tasting Note: If pinot noir and grenache had a baby, it’s nanny would be syrah and it’d taste like this under-the-radar grape, Alicante Bouschet.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of black plum, blackberry preserves, raspberry, red cherry, violet and clove baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied Alicante Bouschet has concentrated red-and-black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose, medium acidity and ripe, velvety, medium-plus tannin.

There is flavor concentration and mid-palate complexity lifted by floral notes of violet and blossom.

A red that would be perfect for summer and fall.

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County – specializing in small artisan lots of vineyard designated varietal wine and classic blends. Frano’s second time out with this varietal exudes aromas of box of chocolates, currants, saddle and bay leaves and produces luxuriously rich fruit components of raspberries and cranberries tinged with vanilla, all-spice and a textured earthiness with a soft, plush, long finish. Pair with barbecued beef ribs, grilled hanger steak, Moroccan Couscous, lamb, venison or any gamey, savory dishes or stews.