Name of Estate/Domaine:
Produced by Domaine de la Zouina
Country/Region:
This wine comes from Morocco, specifically the Meknès region.
Grape/Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Notes:
- Appearance: Deep garnet color with ruby highlights.
- Aroma: The nose features traditional black fruit characteristics typical of
- Cabernet Sauvignon, enhanced by warmer Moroccan influences such as garrigue and ripe red pepper.
- Palate: The palate is powerful and heady, with an initial impression of firm tannins that soften to reveal melted notes of fruit, including ripe berries and hints of oak, vanilla, and chocolate.
Terroir:
Here the terroir benefits from fertile land at higher altitudes. The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate with ample sunshine and mild temperatures, ideal for grape cultivation.
Viticulture:
- The estate incorporates biodynamic practices, which focus on the vineyard as a holistic system. This includes using natural preparations to enhance soil fertility and vine health.
Vinification:
- Grapes are handpicked to ensure only the best fruit is selected.
- The grapes undergo fermentation using indigenous yeasts.
- The wine undergoes a maceration period that allows for extraction of color, tannins, and flavor compounds from the grape skins.
- After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels, which imparts additional complexity and vanilla flavors.
- The winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention.
- No additives, un-filtered.
Food pairing:
- Grilled meats (especially lamb or beef)
- Rich stews or tagines
- Aged cheeses (such as Gouda or cheddar)
- Dark chocolate desserts
This wine is best enjoyed at a temperature of around 16-18°C, allowing its rich flavors to fully develop alongside food.
