Coastal Region Wine

• May 2012

  I am a Sicilian born from Morocco in the town of Mariff;  have visited since moving to the states in '62 a couple of times, and I can say the same  amour,  They have some very nice wines, and one should get the chance to... Read moreI am a Sicilian born from Morocco in the town of Mariff;  have visited since moving to the states in '62 a couple of times, and I can say the same  amour,  They have some very nice wines, and one should get the chance to experience.  whenever I visit France I can usually find a couple of bottles from Morocco through relatives who visit Morocco more often then me, which is always a nice find..  Below you find a little history on the Moroccan wines, hopefully you all will enjoy the read...Morocco, as a former colony of both Rome and France, would become a wine-producing land at some point in its history. Although the earliest evidence of Moroccan viticulture predates even the Romans, it is likely they were the first makers of wine on any scale. After the fall of Rome came centuries of Islamic dominance in Morocco, which naturally slowed its alcohol production, wine included. So the seeds of wine interest sown by the Romans did not truly flourish until the arrival of French influences in the mid-19th century. The French prevailed, and under their influence Morocco began making a significant contribution to world wine production. Although it has never competed with its larger neighbor Algeria (also a former French colony) in terms of quantity, the quality of Moroccan wine increased markedly during the French occupation. When France officially relinquished control of Morocco in March 1956, tens of thousands of hectares of productive vineyards were suddenly deprived of the Gallic expertise that had created them, not to mention a significant French consumer base, both local and in mainland France. As if this were not enough of a blow to the newly independent Morocco, just 10 years later, the EU created tough new import/export legislation and effectively removed Europe as a market for Moroccan wine. Both Italy and France had vast wine surpluses at that time, and were selling their often-superior wines at dramatically marked-down prices – a final nail in the coffin for Moroccan wine exports. Within 20 years, almost every Moroccan vineyard had either been taken over by the state or simply dug up and replaced with cereal crops.Understandably, many assumed that Morocco's time as a wine nation was over. It took 10 years of campaigning by the King, Hassan II, a graduate of the University of Bordeaux, to revive overseas interest in Morocco's vineyard potential. At the time of his death in July 1999, various large-scale French wine companies were busy planting Carignan, Cinsaut and Grenache in several thousand hectares of prime Moroccan land. These varieties have now been joined (and will soon be outnumbered) by the cepages ameliorateurs ('improver' varieties) Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The French influence on Moroccan wine is now perhaps greater than ever.As might be inferred from the above list, the vast majority of Moroccan wine is red. The small percentage of white produced here is made from the likes of Chenin Blanc and the southern French classics Muscat and Clairette. Perhaps surprisingly, given its preference for cooler climates, Sauvignon Blanc is also grown here, and in increasing volumes. Less surprisingly, the same is true of Chardonnay.With both maritime and continental influences, Morocco's climate cannot be summed up by any single descriptor. 'Semi-arid Mediterranean' is often used as a catch-all, but fails to give any idea of the intricate mesoclimatic variation in the mountainous and coastal areas. The finest terroir in Morocco is to be found in the Meknes region. Its location mid-way between the peaks of the Middle Atlas and the Atlantic coast brings it a relatively balanced climate, sheltered from both Saharan drought and Atlantic moisture. Even here, though, August temperatures regularly climb towards 104F (40C), and global warming is thought to be responsible for the increasing prevalence of drought. The future of Moroccan viticulture may well be at the mercy not of invading nations or even consumer fashions, but of the forces of nature.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Tunisian wine experience

  
  

• May 2012

   I can't help it, I like lists! And since we are on the cusp of the ... wine from the Atlantic coastal region of the Loire Valley, this wine is ano-brainer when it comes to oysters and other succulent shellfish!3. Dibon Brut Cava NVA dependably delicious and... Read more I can't help it, I like lists! And since we are on the cusp of the ... wine from the Atlantic coastal region of the Loire Valley, this wine is ano-brainer when it comes to oysters and other succulent shellfish!3. Dibon Brut Cava NVA dependably delicious and straightforward Cava with lots of grapefruit citrus and palate-perking bubbles. Made from Macabeo, Parrelada, Xarel.lo and Chardonnay.4. Diorama Terra Alta Garnatxa Blanca 2010This very unique Catalonian white offers wet-stone minerality, peach pith notes and vibrant acidity. Undiluted Garnatxa fun!5. Pionero Mundi Albariño 2010A refreshing white wine made from the coastal region of northwest Spain—where barnacles are a favorite delicacy. Lots of pear, red apple and briney minerality.6. Mancini Verdicchio Castelli di Jesi (Amphora) 2010Made from old-vine Verdicchio, it boasts vivid notes of lime, mineral creaminess and a hint of sea salt. Perfect for seafood, it even comes in the fish-shaped bottle.7. La Mancina Colli Bolognese Pignoletto Frizzante NVMade in the Bolognese hills northwest of Emilia-Romagna, where the Pignoletto grape is the star. Known primarily for still wines, this sparkling version is a rare treat!8. Tselepos Mantinia Moschofilero 2010From the Peloponnese, where seafood dominates the cuisine, this varietal wine is reach and creamy with enticing floral and apple notes, a choice match for branzino or dorado.9. El Porvenir de los Andes Laborum Torrontés 2011This wine will make you rethink Torrontés. Sourced from high-elevation, slow-ripened grapes from La Salta, this is a perfect wine for grilled fish, such as swordfish steaks or mahi mahi.10. Neudorf Nelson Chardonnay 2009A perennial favorite (on any list actually), this stunningly perfect New Zealand Chardonnay makes a great match with anything you might drizzle butter on … a wine with both richness and nervosité.Has anyone tried these or another wine that you absolutely LOVED with seafood? I would love to hear what worked and what didn't!(If anyone would like a pdf of this list, send me your email).       (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Top Ten Summer Seafood Wines

  
  
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  April 2012

  Beyerskloof Pinotage 2007

  Snoothrank: Starting at $36^.62

  No written review

  Wine review by lmladores

  
  
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  April 2012

  Aktionspaket Fl. Buitenverwachting Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2010

  Snoothrank:

  No written review

  Wine review by Local Vinacular

  
  
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  March 2012

  The Bean Pinotage 2010

  Snoothrank:

  Very good. Smooth. Nice finish.

  Wine review by Nurbaby

  
  
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  March 2012

  Klein Constantia. Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2009

  Snoothrank:

  Klein Constantia Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2009: A ruby, rich wine with a warm, cheesy bouquet complimented by dark fruit. Tastes equally smooth; well balanced in fruit, vanilla, and spice with an exciting, puckery finish. In my opinion, this is an ideal red wine.

  Wine review by Courtney Cania

  
  
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  January 2012

  The Bean Pinotage 2010

  Snoothrank:

  Good

  Wine review by Shunping Wang

  
  
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  January 2012

  Boschendal Chardonnay 2009

  Snoothrank:

  Always had a soft spot for Boschendal as it was my first venture into South African wines. Great looking Bottle, always stands out on the shelves.When poured it was a strikingly deep, clear golden colour.On the nose, the first thing that struck me was that smell of tropical fruit... Read moreAlways had a soft spot for Boschendal as it was my first venture into South African wines. Great looking Bottle, always stands out on the shelves.When poured it was a strikingly deep, clear golden colour.On the nose, the first thing that struck me was that smell of tropical fruit with over ripe bananas, also that smell you get when you open a packet of those honey coated peanuts. Smelt very inviting.Taste was very nutty and creamy, slightly sweet with good acidity. This Chardonnay was quite oaky having spent 9 months in french oak barrels but overall I found it delicious.    (hide)

  Wine review by spikedc

  
  
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  December 2011

  Graham Beck Viognier 2009

  Snoothrank:

  delectable little white that goes great with many different types of white wine-esque foods. especially great with shellfish.

  Wine review by aronowm2

  
  
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  December 2011

  Cathedral Cellar Triptych 2003

  Snoothrank:

  No written review

  Wine review by martins2002

  
  

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