Morocco  

Moroccan wine production dates back far longer than many people realise. Wine has been made there for over 2500 years. However, it was only in the last 20-30 years that quality wine production has occurred. When Morocco was under French rule they developed the wine industry mainly for the export market. The majority of vineyards are planted with French varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 

Red, white, rosé and a sweet style called Gris are all common here however, red wine accounts from the majority of production.  

Each area in Morocco is effected by different geological features and climate patterns. Nearer the coast, the climate is maritime whereas it becomes continental further inland near the Atlas Mountains. Wineries surrounding Meknes are particularly affected by the Atlas Mountain range benefitting from the high altitude. Atlantic Ocean breezes sweep in West cooling wineries in the Casablanca and Essaouira areas.   

There are five regions within Morocco, 14 AOG’s or Appellation d'Origine Garantie and 3 AOC or Appellations of Controlled Origin areas. The three AOC areas are Les Coteaux de l'Atlas, Crémant de l'Atlas for traditional method sparkling wines and the newest addition The Côtes de Rommani.

The regions and AOG’s within these regions are:

The Meknès/ Fés region

Beni M'tir AOG

Guerrouane AOG

Saiss AOG

Zerhoune AOG

El-Jadida region

Doukkala AOG

The Northern Plain.

Gharb AOG

The East

Angad AOG

Beni Sadden AOG

Berkane AOG

The Casablanca /Rabat region.

Chellah AOG

Sahel AOG

Zaër AOG

Zemmour AOG

Zenatta AOG