One Minute Wine Ace: The Bobal Grape

If you’re into wine and looking for the next big thing to try and show your friends, why not turn your attention to the brilliant, if lesser known, Bobal wine grape? 

What is Bobal?

Bobal is indigenous to Spain, with its roots deeply embedded deeply in the Levante region, particularly in the provinces of Valencia and Cuenca. It’s believed to have been cultivated here since the 15th century. Today, Bobal is predominantly found in the Utiel-Requena DO (Denomination of Origin) in the province of Valencia, Spain and is the third most planted grape variety in Spain, after Tempranillo and Airén. In recent years however, Bobal has also been found in tiny quantities in other wine-producing countries around the world such as Argentina, France and Italy though its presence outside Spain is quite limited.

Characteristics of Bobal wine

Bobal Red Wines 

Bobal is a resilient grape known for producing deeply coloured wines that are often an opulent, dark purple colour. The grape offers a bouquet of intense aromas, typically of dark berries like blackberries and blueberries, with notes of herbs, licorice and sometimes, a floral hint a bit like violet. On the palate, Bobal wines are usually full-bodied with a good tannic structure and moderate acidity, showcasing juicy black fruit flavours and warm spice notes with occasional, deeply moreish, earthy or leathery undertones.

Due to the high levels of tannins and anthocyanins (pigments) in the Bobal grape, these wines can have excellent ageing potential.When they are aged with oak, the wood imparts even more complexity, adding layers of vanilla pod and fresh tobacco leaves to the wine.

Bobal Rosé Wines

Bobal also produces excellent rosé wines with vibrant, often salmon-pink or coral hues. On the nose, they are fresh and fruity aromas with dominant notes of strawberries, raspberries and red cherries. They typically go from light to medium-bodied with a crisp, refreshing acidity and are well loved for their vibrant fruitiness and slightly tangy finish.

Bobal in Wine Blends

Traditionally a blending grape, some delicious single varietal wines are now being made but it still also makes an important part of a blend. Here’s what it will add to the mix to make the result greater than the sum of its parts:

Bobal grapes are known for their high anthocyanin content (a sort of flavoured pigment in the grape skins). This means that Bobal can significantly enhance the colour intensity of a wine making it deeper and darker. Bobal has a good tannin structure, which can add complexity and backbone to the blend. This is particularly useful for balancing blends with softer, less tannic varieties, providing a firmer, more structured mouthfeel. The natural acidity of Bobal helps to brighten the wine and balance out richer, fruit-forward varieties. This acidity is also what aids in the wine’s ageing potential and overall freshness. Finally, its intense fruit flavours of blackberry, blueberry and plum added to its herbaceous and floral aromatics, means it can add layers of complexity and intriguing aromatics to a blend.

Bobal in Utiel-Requena, Spain

Utiel-Requena is the heartland of Bobal, where this grape thrives. And why is that? The region’s unique climatic and geological conditions play a crucial role in shaping the character of Bobal wines. Here, a continental climate with Mediterranean influences means hot, dry summers and cold winters, along with a significant diurnal temperature variation. These conditions are ideal for Bobal, as they help the grapes to ripen fully while retaining good acidity and developing complex flavours. The result is fully flavoured wines that keep their freshness and are relatively low in alcohol, despite the heat! 

The soils in Utiel-Requena are predominantly limestone and clay, which are well-draining and rich in minerals. These soils contribute to the concentration and complexity of the Bobal wines. Many vineyards in Utiel-Requena also practise dry farming (this means minimal irrigation), which encourages the vines to develop deep root systems, enhancing the mineral complexity and resilience of the grapes. Additionally, the region’s focus on low-yield viticulture ensures that the grapes harvested are of high quality.

So, if you enjoy red wines with rich, dark fruit flavours and decent ageing potential as well as refreshing, crisp rosés, Bobal from Utiel-Requena is certainly worth exploring. Here are three versions to try!

The Bobal Wines to try from Toro Loco

Toro Loco Rosé

Made with 100% Bobal grapes from Spain’s Utiel-Requena region, this is an excellent example of the grape in its elegant, perfectly pink form. Vibrant and refreshing, it’s packed full of tangy raspberry and ripe cherry with a splash of citrus. A great salad wine, this will also love prawns, salmon or just about anything with chicken. It’s also vegan.

Find it for £5.99 from Aldi in store

Toro Loco Superior Red

The Superiore is a great example of what Bobal can do when added to a blend. 25% Bobal is added to this Tempranillo to up its game in the complex, bramble fruit stakes as well as add structure and freshness. Think wild strawberry and damson with an easy-drinking, velvety texture. Try this with anything grilled and it will also love a cheeky mid week pizza.

Find it for £4.99 from Aldi in store

Toro Loco Hermanito 

For those after a lighter red that’s juicy and joyful, little Hermanito is the vino for you. Part of the Toro Loco stable and made with 50% Bobal with 50% Tempranillo, this tangy, vibrant vino is only 10% ABV and packed full of summer berry fruit. Try it chilled on its own or with anything you can throw on a barbecue.

Find it for for £4.09 from Aldi in store

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