How do you tell Alicante Bouschet and Marselan apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Alicante Bouschet and Marselan is acidity: Alicante Bouschet is Medium while Marselan is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Alicante Bouschet or Marselan higher in acidity?

On the WSET ladder, Alicante Bouschet is Medium and Marselan is Medium(+) for acidity.

Are Alicante Bouschet and Marselan red or white?

Alicante Bouschet and Marselan are both red grape varieties.

Alicante Bouschet vs Marselan — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Alicante Bouschet	Marselan
Acidity	Medium	Medium(+)
Tannin	High	Medium(+)
Body	Full	Medium(+)
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Deep	Deep
Aromatic intensity	Medium	Medium(+)

Signature aromas

Alicante Bouschet

blackberryplumdark chocolate

Marselan

black cherryblackberryviolet

Common questions

How do you tell Alicante Bouschet and Marselan apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Alicante Bouschet and Marselan is acidity: Alicante Bouschet is Medium while Marselan is Medium(+). Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Alicante Bouschet or Marselan higher in acidity?: On the WSET ladder, Alicante Bouschet is Medium and Marselan is Medium(+) for acidity.
Are Alicante Bouschet and Marselan red or white?: Alicante Bouschet and Marselan are both red grape varieties.