2015 Domaine Ouled Thaleb Syrocco

$29.15 btl / $349.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)

Syrocco would fool most people who would think it’s from southern France. Legendary vigneron Alain Graillot, considered to be one of the most highly sought-after producers in the Northern Rhône, stumbled upon these vineyards while bicycling in the Zenata region of Morocco. Graillot was drawn by the potential of this dry, coastal region, located on the Atlantic side of the country just south of the city of Rabat. Although the daytime temperature is very hot, the evenings are cool, allowing grapes to ripen and build both acidity and complexity. The alluvial/limestone soils are similar to his native Rhône soils, where Syrah vines thrive. This gorgeous area is also an organic dream because it has no polluting industries in the area. Truly an ideal area to produce high-quality wine.

Grapes are harvested by hand from selected parcels of Syrah vines, some 48 years old. Syrocco has a deep ruby colour with an expressive nose, excellent balance and complex aromatics. Plenty of ripe purple black fruits and dried red cherry followed by hints of sandalwood, herbs, and spice. The finish is dry, long, and similar to classic Syrah. An excellent wine for a BBQ feast! Only 35 cases available.

Morocco is considered by many to be a “new-old” wine producing country. The history of wine in this country is very old – over 4,000 years and has an ideal climate and soil composition for wine making. Over the centuries, vineyards periodically appeared and disappeared, but the immigration of French wine-growers in the 1880, due to phylloxera in France, brought about a re-birth and expansion of Morocco’s vineyards. One of the best areas for making wine in Morocco is the Ouled Thaleb Estate, the oldest continually operating winery in Morocco. The Syrocco line is a fascinating collaboration between Alain Graillot and Jacques Poulain, former Bordeaux wine specialist, now head winemaker at Domaine Ouled Thaleb. Working alongside one another their mission is to bring the best of the Moroccan terroir to your table. Moroccan wine has finally made it across the Atlantic, but with 95% of it consumed domestically, this is a rare opportunity to add something unique and delicious to your wine collection.

Price: Case of 12 at $349.80 ($29.15 per bottle)

Drink: Now or over the next 5 years

Variety/Body: 100% Syrah, medium-full body

Food Pairing: Grilled lamb chops, grilled spicy lamb or pork sausage, BBQed beef/pork ribs or brochettes with a hummus or tahini sauce, beef fajitas

 

1 thought on “A delicious Syrah from oldest winery in Morocco”

  1. We open fire grilled sirloin tip with grilled veggies and found this gift in the rack. We were so impressed that we researched this site to find more. For 30$ this wine is a find and bargain, better than many collected reds. Looking for more in Western Canada!

    Reply

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