Marques de Alicante, Bocopa

In Alicante, the cultivation of vines dates back to the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks and Arabs that colonized this region. From the very beginning of civilization they appreciated the suitable qualities for cultivation of vines and elaboration of wines. Alexander Dumas, in the Count of Montecristo, mentions Alicante as the Count's favorite wine, as did many other writers who immortalized the excellence of wines from Alicante in their works. Wine from Alicante was chosen as one of the official wines of the Royal British Navy, and Louis XIV, King of France, drank Alicante wine until the end of his days. Faithful to the heritage left by their ancestors, Alicante is nowadays a very important wine region of Mediterranean Europe, as a symbol of prestige.

The lands of production of the wines of Alicante are divided into two fully differentiated regions : the middle and high basin of the river Vinalopo, which descends until arriving at Alicante capital; and the zone of La Marina, in the lands situated in the coastal and high zones of the extension of the Iberian System.

In the first zone protected by the Regulating Counsel of the Denomination of Origin Alicante, the cultivations descend in terraces from the interior toward the coast following the arc of the river Vinalopo. The cities of great wine-growing tradition are Monovar or Villena.

In the second zone, that was dedicated traditionally to the production of pasas, the vineyards are maintained in isolated areas by the determination of some tenacious wine producers. Here there are cities as Javea, Denia, Parcent, Landmark or Alfaz of the Pi, in which survives the winegrowing activity, in spite of the strong push that the tourism represents for the zone.

The greater production of wine growing in the Denomination of Origin Alicante is found concentrated on the banks of the Vinalopo river. Of the seventeen thousand hectares of vineyards, eighty percent is dedicated to production to the variety Monastrell. The remainder belong to the Forcallat white and Merseguera among others. These are not classic white wines in the zone of Alicante, but have always been based on grapes of the varieties Merseguera, Verdil and Airen, planted in areas not suitable for the American rootstock that, after phylloxera, served to revive the local vineyard.

Faithful to the heritage left by our ancestors, Alicante is nowadays a very important wine region of Mediterranean Europe.

At present, our production is concentrated in the medium and high basin of the "Vinalopo" river, and in the "Marina Alta" where we produce our dry white wines and Muscat. Our weather conditions have something unique: the sun (source of energy) and our Mediterranean climate which combine to create vineyards where the remarkable nature and identity of the BOCOPA wines are born.

Our production is obtained from 8,000 hectares of land cultivated by our 1,800 wine growing partners. They are grouped into 8 cooperative cellars forming the BOCOPA Cellars Group and representing over 60% of the D.O. Alicante wines.

Marques de Alicante

Tinto
This is a young wine made from the latest vintage of 30% Monastrell, 30% Merlot 30% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This is a Tinto that has won many prestigious awards. It has extraordinary aromatic richness and intensity. Fantastic with fowl and red meats.

Crianza
This in an intense ruby red wine made from 30% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Monastrelll and 10% Merlot grapes, hand picked when they reach the optimum level of maturity. Traditionally vinified, it is aged for 12 months in new French and American oak barrels. This elegant Crianza is rich, with complex flavors of spice, oak, cherries, and nuances of vanilla and a beautiful balance, giving complexity and richness to the palate with a velvety length. A fine complement to any red meat, lamb, and hard cheeses. Serve at room temperature.

Important awards

Silver Medal at the "Concours Mondial du Vin". Brussels, 2000. Diploma at the International Competition "Prowein 2000". DŸsseldorf. Silver "Vinalies" at the Competition "Vinalies Internationales". Paris, 2000 Bronze Medal at the "Challenge International du Vin", Vinexpo. Bordeaux, 1999. Gold "Zarcillo" at the IX edition of the "Zarcillo" Awards. Valladolid, Spain, 1999. Silver Medal at the international competition "Concurso Internacional de Vinhos".Portugal, 1998. Gold Medal at the "Cien mejores vinos espanoles del ano"(One hundred best Spanish wines). Madrid, Spain, 1998. Bronze Medal at the international competition "Selections mondiales".Montreal, Canada, 1996.