Definition: North Africa

In Algeria, the best wine-growing areas are located around Algiers and Oran. Among the most famous are the hillsides of Mascara, which produce the country's finest wines, including the renowned Sidi-Brahim.

In Morocco, the main production region is located around Meknes and Fez. Here we find the Guerrouane and Beni Sadden appellations. In the Gharb region, Gris de Boulaouane, a popular and light rosé, is produced.

Finally, in Tunisia, the vineyards of Bizerte in the north, as well as those of Hammam-Lif near Tunis, produce excellent Muscat wines.

Grapes have been consumed throughout the Maghreb since ancient times. These were mainly wild vines whose small bunches, with compact grapes and a tart taste, were eaten fresh or dried in the sun. The Romans introduced the first wine-making techniques, as shown in numerous mosaics from the period depicting scenes of grape harvesting. Subsequently, the spread of Islam led to the decline of wine-growing. It was not until the^19th century, during the colonial period, that France began to develop wine production once again. Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia still bear the marks of this presence today. In each of these countries, France created an important vineyard. After independence, most of the best producers left to settle in Corsica or the south of France, leaving the local population with French grape varieties, tastes and wine legislation.

Today, little remains of all this. The Muslim religion has led to a loss of interest in wine, limiting domestic demand. Each country has therefore uprooted its vines. As a result, the area under vine and yields have been halved. Nevertheless, the development of exports and certain recent initiatives, in partnership with French companies, have helped to revive the vineyards. It should be noted that these vineyards are located almost entirely along the coast. However, the best wines generally come from the hills in the hinterland. Symbols of the colonial era, the most common red grape varieties are Carignan, Cinsault and Mouvèdre. Grenache and Pinot Noir are also found. However, there are also regional varieties, such as Farhana, Lehasseroum and Zerkhoun, which can be blended to create unique wines. The reds are generally robust and distinctive. They go very well with North African dishes and can replace a wine from the South of France at a festive meal. According to connoisseurs, the best wines come from Morocco, which has the most modern facilities in North Africa. A small part of Moroccan production is rosé, a very pale wine sometimes called vin gris. In Algeria, the reds from the mountains are very good. The cool and reasonably dry climate of these regions is favourable for vineyards. White wines are made from Clairette and Ugni Blanc grapes. Although Tunisian Muscats are considered the most famous, white wines are generally not very successful. North African wines generally retain a certain appeal for the French, even if they remain relatively unknown to the general public. Algerian, Moroccan and Tunisian wines are well worth tasting and will bring a little sunshine to your table during a meal.