Costa Blanca Magazin

The most important grape varieties and areas of the region - The Grape ABC

Das kleine Trauben-ABC

The wine-growing history of the Alicante region is rich in diversity and tradition.

Here are the main grape varieties grown in the Marina Alta, Marina Baja and Vinalopó valleys.

  • MonastrellThis robust red grape variety dominates the Vinalopó Valley and is known for its strong, full-bodied red wines with flavours of dark fruit and spices.
  • MoscatelMoscatel de Alejandría: Particularly widespread in the Marina Alta, this white grape variety is famous for its sweet and aromatic wines. Moscatel de Alejandría, a particularly popular variety, is often used for dessert wines.
  • Garnacha TintoreraThis grape gives the wines their deep red colour and is often used in cuvées to create structure and fullness.
  • Syrah and MerlotThese international varieties are often used in blends to produce more complex wines.
  • Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc: These grape varieties are increasingly being cultivated in the region and are known for their fresh and lively white wines.

Largest cultivation area

The Vinalopó Valley is the largest wine-growing area in the Alicante region and is known for its strong red wines, especially those made from the Monastrell grape.

Smallest cultivation area

The Marina Alta may be smaller, but it is famous for its aromatic Moscatel wines and plays an important role in the production of sweet and white wines.

Awards and famous wines


Wines from the Marina Baja and Marina Alta regions have received numerous national and international awards. Particularly noteworthy are the sweet Moscatel wines and the strong red wines made from Monastrell. One particularly famous wine is the Fondillón, a sweet, oxidised wine made from the Monastrell grape, which is matured in special solera systems and is unique in the world.