Moroccan wine

In Roman times, Morocco was a respected wine country. But with the arrival of Islam, wine growing fell into oblivion. There was a brief revival at the beginning of the 20th century. French colonists established vineyards on a large scale. Most of them have since disappeared. In recent years, there has been a small revival. Once again, French wine companies are investing in Moroccan wine growing. Good wine is being made on a small scale.

It is therefore not surprising that it is mainly French grapes that you find in the Moroccan vineyards. And most of them are blue: Carignan, Cinsault, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wines generally also have a rather southern French feel.

Especially since large French wine companies such as Castel started investing in Moroccan wine growing again in recent years, things have been going crescendo. They are targeting the cheap segment and are striving for wines that are equivalent to the French ones, but just a little cheaper. With this strategy, they are able to sell a considerable amount of Moroccan wine, especially in France.

Morocco has a lot to offer in terms of potential. For example, in the Meknes region in the northwest of the country. The region is known for its red and white wines, which are made from different grape varieties such as Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan and Viognier. The region has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, which is very suitable for growing grapes.

The vineyards are located at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains, where the altitude and soil provide good drainage and cool temperatures that preserve the acidity of the grapes. The wines from the Meknes region are known for their fruity and floral aromas, with a good balance between acidity and tannins. The region has a small but growing wine industry and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists who want to discover the lesser-known wines of Morocco.

The Casablanca Valley, in the center-west of Morocco, offers good potential for growing grapes thanks to its Mediterranean climate. Cool sea breezes help to moderate the temperature and reduce the risk of grape diseases. The soils are sandy, with clay and limestone. Grapes grown in the region include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier for white wines, and Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah for red wines. The region has seen significant growth and investment in recent years, with a number of modern wineries being built. The wines of the Casablanca Valley are known for their freshness, acidity and minerality.

The lesser-known Ourika Valley, near Marrakech, is also suitable for grape growing. The vineyards are small and the wines are produced only by family-run wineries. The wines of the Ourika Valley are not as well-known or established as those from other regions of Morocco, but they are gaining popularity among tourists who want to discover the lesser-known wines of Morocco.

Most of the approximately 20,000 hectares of vineyards are used for table grapes (which are eaten) and there are no more than around 40 wineries.