Starting in Alicante, the sunny coastal city southeast of Spain

When people think of Spanish wine, their minds jump straight to Rioja or Ribera del Duero, however tucked along the mediterranean coast, bathed in sunlight and kissed by sea breezes, lies Alicante – a wine region with one of the most fascinating histories in all of Spain.

A little History in your glass

Welcome to Alicante — where wine isn’t just a drink, it’s a legacy that’s been flowing for over two thousand years. 🍇 From the wild vines tended by the Iberians to the skilled hands of Phoenician traders and the vineyard-loving Romans, every era has left its mark on these sun-drenched hills. Even Arab poets once sang of the region’s “forbidden” wines, long before official records appeared in the 15th century. And if you wander up the coast to Denia, you’ll find one of Europe’s oldest wine presses — a quiet reminder that Alicante’s connection to wine has always been about sharing its story beyond the shore. Here at Copa Curiosa, we’re raising a glass to those roots and exploring how history still lingers in every sip. 🍷✨

The Land of Sun and Monastrell

Alicante is really two wine regions in one:

• The coastal zone, where vineyards benefit from the sea’s moderating influence, perfect for lighter, fresher wines.
• The inland zone (Vinalopó), where hot, dry conditions give Monastrell grapes their intense, concentrated character.

Monastrell (Mourvèdre in France) is the undisputed king here (a red variety that makes up 75% of the region’s cultivation). Hardy, sun-loving, and full of personality, it produces wines with dark fruit, spice, and a wild Mediterranean edge. But Alicante isn’t just a one-grape wonder—expect to also find Garnacha and Tempranillo.

Meet Luis XIV: Reviving History in a Bottle 👑

One winery making waves is Luis XIV, based in the inland subzone of Alicante. More than just producing wine, this project is about bringing history back to life. The estate is devoted to reviving old winemaking traditions, working with historic local grapes like Arcos (a rare native red variety) and carefully crafted blends that honor Alicante’s past while looking to the future.

Here are some highlights from their lineup that show the spirit of Alicante:

🍇 Las Blancas Tradicionales

This is not your everyday Spanish white wine. Las Blancas Tradicionales brings together rare indigenous grapes that nearly disappeared from the region. Grapes like Merseguera, Malvasía, and Moscatel combine to create a fresh yet structured white wine, with Mediterranean herbs, citrus, and a touch of salinity from the sea breezes. It’s a wine that feels like summer in Alicante—perfect with seafood, tapas, or simply sipping on a sunny terrace.

🍸 Vermut Luis XIV

If you’ve ever wanted to taste Alicante in an aperitif glass, this is it. The Vermut Luis XIV takes a base of Monastrell wine and infuses it with a blend of botanicals. The result is aromatic, bittersweet, and deeply tied to local tradition (vermut has long been a part of Spanish social culture). Enjoy it over ice with an orange slice, or go local-style with a soda splash. It’s both nostalgic and modern at the same time—a perfect nod to Alicante’s wine revival.

🍷 Luis XIV Red

Perhaps the most fascinating of the range, the Luis XIV Ánforas Red is where Alicante’s past meets its present. Made from Arcos and Monastrell grapes, it’s aged in clay amphorae—a method dating back thousands of years that allows the wine to breathe without the influence of oak.

The result is pure, vivid, and full of life: aromas of red cherry, Mediterranean herbs, and a whisper of earthiness from the clay. On the palate, it’s juicy and energetic, with fine tannins and a subtle rustic charm. This is Alicante in its raw, authentic form—ancient yet refreshingly modern.

🍷🍯 Fondillón Luis XIV

And then, the crown jewel: Fondillón Luis XIV. This legendary wine, made exclusively in Alicante from late-harvest Monastrell grapes, is aged in old oak casks for decades without fortification. The result is unlike anything else—amber-hued, with flavors of dried figs, roasted nuts, tobacco, honey, and a whisper of spice. It was once the drink of kings, writers, and adventurers, and Luis XIV has brought it back to life with extraordinary care. A glass of this isn’t just wine—it’s history in liquid form.

Sip Tip: For a full Luis XIV experience, start with Las Blancas Tradicionales, continue with the Vermut Luis XIV as an aperitif, enjoy the Ánforas Red with roasted meats or arroz al horno, and finish with a glass of Fondillón Luis XIV.