Tunisian wine

Viticulture in Tunisia has a long tradition that was, as with many other Mediterranean countries, founded by the Phoenicians, here in particular by the Carthaginians.

The further history of viticulture in Tunisia is consistent with many other North African countries. Under Roman rule came to fruition, under Muslim rule until the wine was practically stopped for the purpose of wine production.

It was under French rule from 1881 have been on a boom in wine production. At that time there was in Tunisia, only about 1,000 hectares of vineyards and 95 % were destined for the cultivation of table grapes; the remaining 50 acres, which were intended for the wine were already firmly in French hands. Tunisia was the supplier of cover and blend wines. This went well for a time well when Tunisia was already independent from France. First, expropriated as a French possession to the mid-1960s and the planned economy was introduced, the wine production plunged into a deep crisis.

Today Tunisia has a wine right after the French model with AOC appellations. Today, this is an advantage because the wines on the shelves awaken the impression as if they came from France. The viticulture is, like, almost completely controlled by the government in Algeria. Still varieties are grown mainly that is also found in southern France. These include Cabernet, Cinsault, Alicante Bouschet, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Clairette blanche and Muscat de Frontignan. Problems often cause the desert storms. Through them, the harvest is literally blown away by the wind every now and then. In years with a good harvest approximately 400,000 hectoliters of wine are produced on an acreage of approximately 29,000 hectares. The area under cultivation for wine production is declining, and the table grape production is gaining importance. The wines are mainly full-bodied reds and rosés.

Quality wines produced in Tunisia

The Appellation d' Origine ( short AOC ) wines are of Tunisia:

  • AOC Grand Cru Mornag

The area is located about 40 km south of Tunis. The red wines are powerful with well- integrated tannins and good food accompaniment to meat and game dishes. The growing in bush form main places Carignan is usually blended with stronger varieties such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. Internationally recognized rosé wines come mostly from Cinsault and Grenache, Ugni Blanc white wines like and Rezzegui are easy and pleasant to drink. Well-known wineries: Domaine Atlas, Domaine de Charmettes, Château Mornag

  • AOC Mornag

The AOC is the largest AOC of Tunisia. It extends from Grombalia, Takelsa to Korba in the east and Enfidha in the south. There are grown red, rosé and white wines. The climate is dry. The annual rainfall varies from 300 to 480 mm / year. Being close to the sea, the humidity is higher than normal and the temperature fluctuations is not too extreme. Through the use of high-quality varieties of wines good improvements could be achieved. Well-known wineries: Domaine Atlas, Domaine d' Ouzra, Domaine Kurubis

  • AOC Thibar

The region has a climate with cold winters, hot summers and an annual rainfall of 500 mm / year. Here white, rosé and red wines are produced. Well-known wineries: Domaine de Thibar

  • AOC Coteaux d' Utique

The region is located about 40 km north of Tunis. Well-known wineries: Château Feriani, Domaine Karim, Coteaux d' Utique, Coteaux de Mateur, Coteaux de Bizerte

  • AOC Tebourba

Large -growing region with wines good name. It will be produced red and rosé wines. Well-known wineries: Coteaux de Tebourba, Coteaux de Schuiggui, Domaine de Lansarine, Tebourba Village

  • AOC Sidi Salem

30 km south of Tunis. The rainfall varies from 500 to 600 mm per year. It will be produced red and rosé wines. Well-known wineries: Domaine Nepheris, Coteaux de Guet ​​Khan, Khan Guet ​​Village, Château Khan Guet ​​, Château Saint -Augustin

  • AOC Kelibia

This area lies approximately 140 km from Tunis to Cap Bon. There prevails a Mediterranean climate. It is only grown a variety that muscatel variety Alexandria, also called " muscat de Kélibia ". The wines are dry and fruity.

  • Viticulture by State
  • Economy (Tunisia )
Punics Algerian wine Cinsaut Muscat (grape and wine)
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