MUSCAT WINES OF TUNISIA
In Tunisia the art of wine making dates back to around 800 B.C during the time of the Phoenicians. After the Turkish conquest of 1574, wine production was forbidden. More recently, wine production resumed when Tunisia was a French protectorate (1883 to 1963). Most Tunisian wine was produced by French oenologists. Much of it was exported to France until the 1970s. Wine cooperatives now produce 80% of the wine which is consumed mostly by tourists. Since the privatization of some parts of these cooperatives Tunisia has successfully entered the international wine market. Small companies like Domaine Atlas, St. Augustin, Ceptunes, etc. have begun to establish the new generation of Tunisian wine.
Muscat of Alexandria had been and still is one of the important white grapes grown in the country.
Currently vineyards are concentrated in the regions around Nabeul, Bizerte, Tunis, Beja, and Jendouba. Seventy percent of Tunisian wine carries the French A.O.C. mark of quality with seven appellations of Mornag, Coteaux de Tebourba, Thibar, Kelibia, Coteaux d’Utique, Grand Cru Hornag and Sidi Salem.
The coolest regions are on the coast and northern Bizerte produces Tunisia’s speciality: fine sweet Muscats. Some experts believe that Muscat has been produced here since Carthaginian times. (There are also well known sparkling Muscats are from Kelibia, Rades and Thibar.)
Kelibia (Cape Bon region) is located on the east coast and contains sandy and siliceous soil. Its A.O.C. Premier Cru Muscat de Kelibia is a dry, often oxidized Muscat wine. Ripe aromas of rose, lilac, peach and melon surge from a glass of this delicious wine. These Muscat wines can be used as appetizer wines or served with seafood and grilled fish.
Beja-Jendouba region situated west of Tunis is home to the A.O.C. Cru “Thibar” There are Muscat wines produced by the Domaine de Thibar which markets sparkling wines as well.
Tunisian Muscat Wines
(We are having difficulty finding names of Muscat producers in Tunisia. If you have any information please contact us.)
Muscat De Bou-Argoub
100% Muscat grapes. Pale yellow golden color. Recommended both as an aperitif and for dessert.
Muscat Sec de Kelibia. 2006. Les Vignerons de Carthage. Appellation: Muscat de Kelibia. 13% alcohol.
“An endearing Muscat fragrance, fresh and crisp on the palate with a hint of raisiny flavours, nicely done” (Andrew Stevenson. December 2009)
“Light straw colour. Lovely Muscat nose with mouth-watering grapey aromatics and tropical fruits. Clean acidic style, perfectly dry.” (Francis Gimblett. August 2009)
Perfect with seafood or as an aperitif.