Alain Graillot Syrocco 2020 is a fresh, food-friendly Moroccan Syrah influenced by the Atlantic-cooled vineyards of Zenata. It shows ripe black and red plum, blackberry, dried cherry, pepper, herbs and subtle chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied and juicy, with fresh acidity, integrated tannins and a dry, savoury finish. The grapes were 100% destemmed and fermented in concrete vats before ageing in tanks and large oak casks.

Winemaker

Syrocco is produced by legendary vigneron Alain Graillot. He 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, with Alain forming a partnership with them to provide Syrah vines for his own wine. Alain crafts this as a fruit-forward Moroccan red, yet it is made in an Old- World style with moderate extraction, excellent balance, and complex aromatics: plenty of ripe purple black fruits and dried red cherry followed by hints of sandalwood, herbs, and spice. The finish is dry, long, and similar to classic Syrah.

Color: Deep, dark
Aromas & Flavors: Black and red plum, blackberry, subtle milk chocolate, earthy, peppery spice
Acidity & Tannin: Fresh high acidity with coarse but integrated tannins
Texture: Medium-bodied, a bit rustic yet balanced

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: DIAM Cork
Harvest: 2020
Oak: 15 months, initially in tanks then large French oak casks
Varietals: Syrah 100%
Skin Contact: 10 days maceration; 100% destemmed
Winemaker: Alain Graillot
Region: Zenata, Morocco

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 30–45 minutes
Food Pairing: Lamb tagine, grilled lamb, beef, roast duck, sausages, spiced Moroccan dishes and grilled vegetables