Out of Africa - 87p

When you think of wine from Africa, the first place you think of is of course South Africa. The southern nation has a long tradition for wine and is a popular choice here in Norway. But they do make wines in other parts of Africa and this week we are in the opposite end of Africa, Morocco.

Syrocco was founded by the late, legendary Rhône vigneron Alain Graillot, and now run by his sons, Maxime and Antoine. Alain stumbled upon these vineyards and the Thalvin winery while bicycling in the Zenata region of Morocco between Casablanca and Rabat. This gorgeous area is an organic dream, with cool winds blowing off the Atlantic and no polluting industries whatsoever. The Thalvin winery has been around since the 1920’s, and when Alain found their gorgeous property, he formed a partnership with them to provide Syrah and Cinsault vines for his own Moroccan wines. Maxime and Antoine craft these wines as a fruit-forward and juicy, yet they are made in an Old- World style with soft extraction, excellent balance, and complex aromatics.

Tasting notes:

Alain Graillot & Thalvin Syrocco 2021 229,90 kr

Lots of dark black fruit, thick layers of plum and violet with plenty of plush, velvety tannins boxed in with cigar and a hint of vanilla. The alcohol is constrained, surprising when you think about the heat in Morocco but it frames and supports the length of the wine nicely.
Great with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, lamb, falafel and especially grilled food.

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