Herdade de São Miguel, Alentejo DOC (Portugal) Alicante Bouschet 2014

 Unlike almost all other red grapes whose juice is clear and whose color comes exclusively from the skins, the juice from Alicante Bouschet is red.  That likely explains why that grape makes deeply colored wines, which predicts its flavor profile, as it does here.  This is a broad-shouldered, flamboyant wine that manages to hold it all together.  I suspect its seven years of age has helped settle it down.  It’s still a bit rough around the edges befitting its style.  Great acidity keeps it fresh and prevents heaviness.  Still, this is not a wine to sip while grilling, but rather to drink after the leg of lamb comes off the grill.