Morocco

Original wines of Mediterranean terroir, discover all the tastes of Morocco wines to accompany your dishes with an exotic touch.

Moroccan wine is part of our selection of wines from around the world and remains one of the lesser-known wine regions around the Mediterranean, despite a winemaking history dating back to Roman times and a modern revival driven by French colonisation in the 20th century.

A wine region shaped by colonial history

Morocco's modern wine industry took shape under the French Protectorate from the 1910s onwards. Vineyards were planted around Meknes, Fez and Rabat, in areas that would become the country's main wine-producing regions. Following independence in 1956, part of the vineyard area declined due to a lack of new growers, but the Moroccan state, followed by private investors, revived production over the following decades, with an increasing focus on quality since the 1990s.

Meknes, the heart of Moroccan wine country

The Meknes-Fez region accounts for most of Morocco's wine production, with vineyards planted on plateaus benefiting from the cooling influence of the nearby Middle Atlas mountains. This proximity helps moderate an otherwise dry Mediterranean climate, while significant differences between daytime and night-time temperatures help preserve acidity in the grapes, a valuable asset in a region where ripening can be rapid and alcohol levels naturally high.

French grape varieties adapted to the local climate

Moroccan vineyards rely almost exclusively on grape varieties of French origin, introduced during the colonial period and since adapted to the local terroir. Cinsault and Carignan, historically associated with Languedoc, long dominated the production of red wine and rosé. Over the past twenty years, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have gained ground as producers have increasingly focused on premium wines. A typical Moroccan red is generous and full-flavoured, with supple tannins and ripe dark-fruit aromas. In some respects, the style is reminiscent of wines from southern France, but often with greater roundness due to the warmer climate.

Vin gris, a local speciality

Morocco has developed a distinctive style of its own: vin gris, a very pale rosé wine made by direct pressing of Cinsault grapes without maceration. Its almost translucent colour, ranging from pearl grey to very pale salmon, and its lively, refreshing character make it a distinctive choice for rosé lovers, setting it apart from the generally deeper-coloured rosés found elsewhere around the Mediterranean.

How to choose and pair Moroccan wine

A supple, fruity Moroccan red is a natural match for tagine, a richly spiced couscous or grilled meat with spices, as its generous character pairs well with dishes that are both rich and aromatic. Vin gris, with its fresher profile, is best served well chilled at around 8-10°C and pairs well with mezze, Moroccan salads or grilled fish.

FAQ

Is Moroccan wine produced under strict appellation rules?

Morocco has a system of Appellations d'Origine Garantie (AOG) regulating certain production areas, although it remains less widely known and less standardised than the French AOC system.

Why is Cinsault so widely used in Moroccan wines?

This grape variety is well suited to dry, hot conditions and has adapted particularly well to Morocco's climate since its introduction during the colonial period, which explains its longstanding presence in the country's red and rosé wines.