In the not so distant past the people of this country rose up to outlaw alcohol, including wine for non-sacramental uses. Prohibition in the 1930’s sent wine production underground, but an unlikely hero rose up to meet the challenge of supplying the masses with the ‘nectar’ the country in fact still thirsted for.

Meet Alicante Bouschet. A humble but well traveled and thick-skinned native of Southern France, Alicante, as it is commonly known, comes to the rescue with the deepest red, vibrant, free run juice of perhaps any varietal the world over. During Prohibition in California it accounted for over one third of all planted varietals and was drank either fresh or ‘watered down’ with water & sugar - a true smuggler’s friend.

This versatility of deep color & thick skin makes it a hero in Portugal to this day, highly valued as a blend in the country’s most beloved and famous drink Port. But today in America, it is a dying breed, accounting for less than 1% of production and declining each year.

Alicante’s heyday may be over, but there still are a few die-hard producers in California, most notably from Sonoma & Russian River, It may not be easy to find, but if you do, be prepared for an olfactory surprise. Mint, maple, & black pepper dominate with a gory red hue that calls for a lamb chop or two.

Enjoy this recipe & wine with your loved ones, and be thankful it is no longer prohibited!