The Alicante DO (Denominación de Origen) is a wine region located in the province of Alicante, in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, Spain. The region is known for producing a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and sweet dessert wines. Alicante is most renowned for producing a traditional sweet dessert wine known as Fondillón, made from overripe grapes.

The region’s terroir is characterized by dark limestone-bearing soils on subsoils of sedimentary rock, with loose and sandy soils along the Vinalopó river banks. The climate in the area is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters, providing an ideal environment for the cultivation of high-quality grapes.

There are two separate and distinct sub-zones within the Alicante DO region: Vinalopó and La Marina. The Vinalopó sub-zone is known for its red wine production, with the Monastrell grape variety being predominant. In contrast, the La Marina sub-zone is known for its white wine production, with the Moscatel grape variety being predominant.

Wines from the Alicante DO region pair well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, such as grilled fish or seafood risotto, as well as white meats and light appetizers. The region’s sweet dessert wine, Fondillón, is a popular choice for those looking to indulge in a rich, fortified wine.