Morocco — wine

Meknès Wine Region

Africa's most significant wine appellation at the foot of the Atlas Mountains near the imperial city of Meknès, where clay-limestone soils at 500–700 metres altitude produce surprisingly elegant Syrah, Merlot, Carignan, and indigenous Grenache. The Atlantic-influenced continental climate — hot days, cold nights from Atlas air — creates diurnal temperature variation essential for freshness. Moroccan wine's quality revolution, led by Thalvin and Domaine de la Zouina, is producing wines that challenge Mediterranean preconceptions.

Year Rating Notes
2023 Good Atlas vintage; Syrah freshness preserved from cold mountain nights
2022 Outstanding Moroccan year; La Zouina Epicuria achieved landmark quality
2021 Good conditions; balanced Syrah ripeness and structural freshness
2020 Warm Atlas foothills; concentrated reds with good phenolic maturity
2019 Benchmark Meknès vintage; international wine media attention peaked
2018 Consistent Mediterranean warmth; full-bodied, structured Syrah
2017 Variable year; top estates delivered above-average quality