Morocco — traditional

Morocco

North Africa's most significant wine producer and the cultural home of the Moroccan mint tea ceremony — one of the world's great ritual beverage traditions. Gunpowder green tea + fresh spearmint + sugar, served in three glasses ('the first is gentle as life, the second strong as love, the third bitter as death'), poured from height to aerate and cool. The silver teapot (tray-served to guests) is an icon of Maghrebi culture. Wine production centres in Meknès and the Marrakech/Benslimane zone. The country's tea culture connects to the Marseille Crossroads — North African tea culture met Provençal café culture in the port of Marseille.

Year Rating Notes
2023 83 Good, classic Moroccan vintage; solid conditions across the northern wine belt.
2022 83 Exceptional heat year; record temperatures challenged all regions but concentrated fruit quality was outstanding.
2021 79 Variable vintage; coastal regions outperformed interior. Good but not exceptional.
2020 84 Warm, dry Moroccan summer; rich, generous wines with good fruit concentration.
2019 82 Good harvest conditions; Atlas mountain-cooled vineyards performed well with characteristic freshness.
2018 87 Excellent Moroccan vintage; warm summer with Mediterranean influence along northern coast. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from Meknes reached outstanding ripeness.