Alicante DO

[al-eh-KAN-tay (Fr. Ah-lee-KAHNT)] do located in the Alicante province in the Levante region of southeastern Spain, south of the valencia do. Alicante consists of two areas-a large one spreading out to the west of the city of Alicante and a smaller one, referred to as La Marina, northeast of the city. The larger area produces mostly big full-bodied (see body) red wines, as well as some rosés from Monastrell (mourvèdre) and Garnacha Tinta (grenache). The dry white wines, made from Verdil and Merseguera grapes, aren't particularly well regarded. The smaller zone, La Marina, produces good, sweet white wines made from Moscatel (muscat). A unique wine called Fondillon is also produced in the Alicante area. It's a rancio-style wine made from the Monastrell grape and aged for 6 to 10 years in barrels. The alcohol content is a potent 16 to 18 percent.