In Italy, Alicante is a common name for Grenache, the red grape known as Cannonau in Sardinia, grown mainly in the Tuscan Maremma and in Sicily, especially on Etna. It makes warm, medium to full-bodied reds with red berries, plum, spice and Mediterranean herbs, often in blends.
Grenache is called Garnacha in Spain, where it is generally thought to have originated, and the Italian name Alicante points to that Spanish link, after the city and region of Alicante. The grape probably reached Italy several centuries ago through Spanish trade and rule in the south and the islands. In Tuscany it is grown along the coast, where it was historically known as Alicante or Alicante Nero. Alicante should not be confused with Alicante Bouschet, a different grape created in France in the 19th century as a cross, which has red flesh and is used mainly for colour.
On the Maremma coast Alicante gives ripe, round wines. On Etna it is lighter and fresher. In blends it adds fruit, softness and warmth.
Start with a varietal Alicante from the Maremma, then try an Etna red that includes it. Producers worth knowing include Ampeleia, Fattoria Le Pupille, Poggio Argentiera and Roccapesta in Tuscany, and Frank Cornelissen, Fedegraziani, I Vigneri and I Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna on Etna.
Alicante is the same grape as Cannonau and Grenache, and is blended with Sangiovese and Nerello Mascalese. Read our best Cannonau wines, the best Etna wines, or browse the grape varieties index.