Morocco is well and truly off the beaten wine path. Despite the obvious cultural and religious motives behind the country’s continued isolation from important wine discussion, there is a small community of vigneron’s looking to take advantage of Morocco’s various pockets of suitable wine-making territory.
The French influence on Morocco’s wine scene is evident. The grapes, and consequently the wine styles that work well here, remind us of the Languedoc and Provence. Rousanne in particular has shown some impressive potential in recent years; the tendency for the variety to develop fragrant scents of yellow tree fruit, broom and wild flower is often evident.
But the difference between good and bad often lies in the acidity. On this western coast of North Africa the climate is hot with the summer heat often destroying vintages. Proximity to the ocean can soften its impact in cooler years it is during these that we can sometimes find the refreshing acidity and character that gives balance and intrigue to a wine.
