From: AOC Les Côtes de Rommani, Zaër, Morroco
Varietals: Carignan, Syrah
Tasting Notes: Its deep purple color hints at a complex nose marked by blackcurrant, violets, and a subtle mocha undertone. It’s bouquet melds the floral notes of roses and violets with the fruity aromas of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and black cherry, all enhanced by a touch of jam. On the palate, it presents a good grip. The palate is harmonious and fruity, supported by supple and fresh tannins, and culminates in a slightly peppery finish.
Pairing: It makes an excellent companion to grilled lamb chops or a succulent roast duck, where the wine's supple tannins complement the rich, savory flavors. For a lighter pairing, consider a wild mushroom risotto or a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and aged cheeses, which will highlight the wine's intricate bouquet. Additionally, it pairs well with hearty dishes like beef bourguignon, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or a rich, creamy chicken stroganoff, where the wine's complexity and fresh tannins elevate the savory elements and create a balance.
Crispy Frico Chicken Breasts With Mushrooms and Thyme
By Dawn Perry
About. The La Ferme Rouge’s estate blueprint was laid out in 1908, and by 1933, the cellar was constructed, marking the production of its first vintage. Throughout the 1970s, La Ferme Rouge focused primarily on grape and olive fruit cultivation. It wasn't until 2001 that the estate fully reclaimed its original identity. The year 2009 marked a renaissance for La Ferme Rouge's wine production, with meticulous restoration of the winery, cellars, production, and storage facilities, all in harmony with the estate’s traditional architecture.
Hailing from the Zaërs region, La Ferme Rouge is lauded among Morocco’s historical wine regions. Located approximately 45 km from the ocean, the estate is bordered by the valleys of Wadi Korifla to the west and the foothills of the Middle Atlas to the south. Perched 450 meters above sea level, the estate benefits from a consistent Atlantic influence year-round. The 300-hectare vineyard boasts a diverse and exceptional terroir, with soils ranging from ancient sands and red clay to ferric clay on clay- limestone subsoil and shale. The estate's vineyards span diverse soils, including the rich clays of the Merchouch plateau, the filtering "Tirs" of the Rommani hillsides, and "Hamris" of the Had Brachoua valleys. This singular combination of soils provides the foundation for the finesse, structure, and strength of character that define the wines of Château La Ferme Rouge, breathing new life into a historic estate.
Since its establishment in 1908, Château La Ferme Rouge has been dedicated to sustainable farming practices, cultivating vines and olive trees. The cellar, built in 1933 amidst the vineyards and olive groves, has been fully restored, blending original architecture with modern elements. In 1998, significant efforts were undertaken to renovate and reorganize the farm. This included revitalizing the soil with organic-rich compost, establishing a comprehensive water network, creating retention and storage basins for rainwater and groundwater, uprooting old vines, and making the soil permeable again. These efforts have allowed the microfauna to thrive, rejuvenating old
plots and planting new grape varieties suited to the local climate and soils.
AOC Les Côtes de Rommani is not part of the French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system. The AOC system in France is a specific designation used to classify and regulate wine regions within France. However, AOC Les Côtes de Rommani is an appellation within Morocco, reflecting the country’s own wine classification and regulation system.
