Alicante Nero

Tuscany's Coastal Gem: The Maremma Region

While the world usually associates Tuscany with Sangiovese grapes, the coastal Maremma region tells a completely different story. Here, where sandy, stony soils abound and a fresh breeze constantly blows from the Tyrrhenian Sea, Alicante Nero has found its perfect home and place of origin.
In these sunny growing sites, the grapes ripen perfectly, yet thanks to the cool nights, they retain wonderful freshness and vitality. Local winemakers (especially those practicing biodynamic winemaking) highly value this variety and are increasingly producing 100% Alicante Nero wines, utilizing minimal oak to preserve the pure, unspoiled berry character.

Flavor Profile: Fresh Berries, Flowers, and Graphite

• Aroma: Extremely open, smelling of summer. Dominated by fresh strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and red plums. This juicy berry profile is quickly complemented by elegant notes of roses, violets, damp earth, graphite, and Mediterranean spices (garrigue).
• Structure: The wine features a light to medium body. Unlike many other Tuscan reds, Alicante Nero has very soft, silky tannins and lively, juicy acidity. It is highly drinkable, and the finish leaves a pleasant touch of spice.

Ideal Food Pairings

Because of its soft tannins and pronounced fruitiness, Alicante Nero is an incredibly versatile gastronomic wine.
It is a fantastic companion to traditional rustic Tuscan cuisine: pasta with meat ragù, roasted poultry, meatballs in tomato sauce, or grilled vegetables.
This wine is also one of the best choices when you want a red wine with richer fish (such as a tuna steak) or mildly spicy dishes, as its freshness perfectly balances the flavors. It can confidently be served alongside aged cheeses like Pecorino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Alicante Nero, Grenache, and Cannonau the same grape?

Yes! It is the exact same genetic variety, called differently depending on the region. In France, it is known as Grenache; in Spain, Garnacha; on the island of Sardinia, Cannonau; in the Veneto region, Tai Rosso; and in Tuscany and some other parts of Italy, Alicante Nero. Although the genetics are the same, each region and its terroir give the wine a completely unique character.

Can Alicante Nero be served chilled?

Absolutely. During the summer, due to its lighter body, soft tannins, and vibrant fruitiness, it is recommended to serve this wine slightly cooler (around 14–16 °C / 57–60 °F). This further highlights its freshness and strawberry aromas, making it the perfect wine for picnics and summer terraces.

Is this wine suitable for long-term aging?

While top-quality Alicante Nero wines from good vintages can evolve beautifully in the bottle for 5–8 years, the greatest charm of this variety lies in its youthful energy, crisp berries, and spring-like florality. Therefore, it is best to enjoy these wines within the first few years of harvest.