Page 76 - GrapevineMarApr 2022
P. 76
International News
A blue-black grape table wine that is indigenous
to Morocco is Taferielt. Its origin traces to the
Notable Moroccan Wines Moroccan wild vines that once cloaked the Rif
mountains in the sixties. Before pre-phylloxera,
Domaine des Ouled Thaleb Estate where disease plagued vineyards, this vine, called
Zenata Rosé – Domaine OTB Farrana Noir, could be found in the Balearic Islands.
It has yet to make a name for itself but is known by
Zenata Rosé – Domaine OTB is a those who visit Morocco. As with all hidden gems,
crisp and refreshing plump cherry it will have its moment in the sun as Morocco slow-
and cranberry wine with floral notes. ly gains recognition in the pres-tigious wine market.
It is made by the Domaine Ouled
Thaleb Estate, the oldest and most Wine revelers will note that the cost of Moroccan-
well-known winery in Morocco. made wines is reasonably cheap, but this does not
Established in 1923, the winery is denote the quality. However, some will say that
named after the tribe that works since it is still a burgeoning wine market, people
the winery and owns the land. in Morocco are not as discerning about wine as
The composition of this concrete they would be in Europe or North Ameri-ca, where
tank-fermented rosé is 30% Syrah, wines are scaled differently.
20% Cinsault and 50% Grenache. This vineyard,
known for its exceptional rosé, is located in the Only about 5% of the approximately 40 mil-
northeast Casablanca wine region. lion bottles produced annually in Morocco are
ex-ported. This number is quite eye-opening given
the parameters around alcohol consumption in the
Les Celliers De Boulaouane country. The mystery of who is consuming these
Thalvin Boulaouane Vin Gris wines will only be revealed to those who consume
them. That said, this staggering number demon-
Vin Gris is a popular wine that strates a demand for wine in Morocco even though
is a beautiful blend of Cabernet it is not heavily promoted within the country. It
Sauvignon, Cinsault and Grenache. could be a new generation of wine consumers,
This is an airy, refreshing wine with similar to Germany, where millennials are reviving
floral notes and hints of fresh berries the viticulture landscape. Those who study abroad
that remind you of hot summer days. return home with a palate that enjoys a glass of
Smooth caramel, citrus and honey- wine when dining. Further, they recognize that
suckle notes provide a nice overall fin- Morocco houses vineyards with delightfully good
ish. This is a popular Moroccan wine wines.
for tourists.
The stories of Moroccan vineyards are waiting to
be told. It is the people who own the land and are
Winery Bonassia responsible for bringing the wine to life who hold
Bonassia Cabernet Sauvingon what is still unknown. These vineyards are more
than just land that grows vines. They demonstrate
Fruity, sweet, and warm with a hint of that what we plant grows, and growth is painful yet
spice is the best way to describe this beautiful.
smooth, rich red wine. It pairs well
with flavorful Moroccan dishes such
as Tagine. Aromatic notes of nutmeg
and vanilla enhance the flavor of spic-
es without overpowering the palate.
Page 74 The Grapevine • March - April 2022 877-892-5332
Grapevine Main Pages GV030422_Layout 1-1 copy.indd 74 2/24/22 3:34 PM
