the Morocco' s Vineyard

Vineyard Morocco

Viticulture in Morocco and planting the first vineyards date back to Phoenician and Roman settlement. In antiquity , the great center of wine production was concentrated around Volubilis.

Morocco is one of the cradles of the last wild vines. Since antiquity , Pausanias Périégète ( 1.33 ) noted that the inhabitants of Lixus , city founded by the Phoenicians on the right bank of the river Loukkos consumed fruits . Louis Levadoux states that " Kabyle not neglect this side : when autumn comes , the people of Guergour to go very high in the forests of the Atlas , harvesting of trees, clusters they use to fresh when they dry on racks . "

The ampelographer could locate in the valley of Wadi Titria these known to Aneb djalia lambrusques . He notes that " Some had a strong resemblance to the varieties grown by the Berbers . "

The first wines were drawn to the sixth century BC. AD facilities at Phoenician and Greek but it was the Roman colonization developed viticulture allowing wines Mauretania Tingitane be presented on the patrician tables. This province corresponds to the northern part of present-day Morocco . It extended from north to Salt ( Necropolis of Chella ) at Volubilis to the south) and two in the east to the river Oued Lau . The main cities were Volubilis, Tingis (Tangier ) , Lixus ( Larache ) and Tamuda ( Tetouan ) .

Morocco has always been a land of vines , as proof he is listed as one of the last homes of Vitis Silvétris in regions of the Atlas.

For the production of wine it will be -500 BC and installation of Phoenician and Greek counters will develop the production of wine. The Romans in the region of Volubilis which intensify the phenomenon , and soon the amphorae Mauretania Tingitana we will invade patrician tables of the Roman Empire .

The Arab influence has left its mark on the North African viticulture. Upon arrival in Spain the Arabs are sure to plant their variety, the Faranat Tunis , only indigenous grape still used in Morocco and Andalusia known today as the Majorcan . The wine production does not disappear Morocco since the strong Jewish community will continue the vine growing and wine production in the gardens .

The Portuguese, during installation Azemmour , Safi and El Jadida will plant some vines that prefigure future vineyards Doukkala .

From 1875 , Europe affected by the ravages of phylloxera , found in North Africa and especially on sandy soils of Morocco 's salvation since French winemakers are no longer able to produce enough wine. From 1905 the first boatloads of grapes and wines arrive in European ports . First settled in the regions of the Chaouïa , the Trifas , the Sahels , wine French , Spanish, Italian , discover this new Eldorado wine is Morocco . They will plant four varieties adapted to the soils and wines : Grenache , Carignan , Cinsault and Alicante . Boulaouane Benslimane , Berkane Meknes , Gharb of Guerrouane to draw and they will shape the new landscape of Moroccan wine . World War offer them broad opportunities. This is the golden age, the time doctors wines.

The Treaty of Rome, prohibiting the cutting of European wines with foreign wines , the death knell of the first golden age . Then , led by Brahim Zniber and Guy Bacconet two regions distinguished themselves throughout the 60s , 70s and 80s , the Celliers de Meknes Meknes ( Guerrouane and Ben M'Tir ) and Thalvin Benslimane , two styles different wines representative of their land but always with the same quality . They will plant new varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon , Syrah .

Decades will be those 90 and 2000 a boost wealth and full of promise. The arrival of new winemakers Castel , Charles Melia Gribelin Gérard , Jacques Poulain, planting new varieties , the Tanat , Marsanne , Roussanne , Malbec , Viognier , the Arinarnoa , Chardonnay, Chenin, Tempranillo ... the creation of new areas: the La ZOUINA , Domaine Val D' Argan, Les Deux Domaines La Ferme Rouge, the development of new land or the restarting of forgotten land , Essaouira, Beni Mellal , Romany ,

Les Coteaux de l' Atlas .. , a viticulture that respects the environment and control, new winemaking techniques , an approach more qualitative with the creation and recognition of the first Moroccan AOC Coteaux the Atlas Premier Cru and the first term with Castle Castle Roslane , will encourage and develop new vintages : Eclipse , Domaine de Sahari , Ait Souala , Domaine Rimal Castle Roslane , Elixirs of the Emperors , S Siroua Volubilia El Mogador, East gazelle Mogador Riad Jamil , Cuvée First President , Light Gérard Depardieu, initials CB , Tandem .....

Entering the 21st century suggests a new golden age of the land , quality and recognition for those women and men of the Vine and Wine perpetuating a tradition and expertise older than 2500 years.