This grape variety is mostly found in the Extremadura wine region in the southwest of the country with hot and dry weather conditions.

The dry weather conditions contribute a lot to produce Alarijen grapes with low alcohol as well as acidity.

Alarijen is usually blended with another local grape variety called Eva as well as the DO wine Ribera del Guadiana that is traditionally associated to this variety.

Wines with Alarijen grapes

Origin

Mentioned in the year 1448 in the manuscript of Libro de Oficios of Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe is the old grape variety from Extremadura – Alarijen.

Under the name Alarize, Gabriel Alonso de Herrera referred Alarijen as red grapes with lots of bees eating them.

The parentage based from DNA analysis, it is shown that Alarijen is a cross between two table grape varieties – Gibi and Planta Nova.

Based from the results, Gibi is the mother of Pedro Ximenez and because of this, Alarijen and Pedro Ximenez are half siblings.

Characteristics of Alarijen

Vines of the Alarijen variety produce big, tight bunches of small to medium – sized and thick-skinned berries, which are mid to late budding and late ripening.

They are very vigorous and productive and vulnerable to fungal diseases.

Characteristics of Alarijen Wines

Small quantities of Alarijen are planted in the Catalunya and Rioja regions and are normally used in dry white wine blends.

Since the white blends from Alarijen grapes are high in acidity, they are also capable in producing fortified wines.

Food Pairings

The sweet and fortified wines from Alarijen grapes are best to be paired with skewers of apricots and ham, herbed rice pilaf as well as potato gratin