NEW YORK, May 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Market continues to recognize Morocco's vibrant, quality wines that offer Americans attractive price points. Wine & Spirits Magazine's June edition (on stands now p. 58) features Ouled Thaleb as one of its "Value Brands of the Year."
Both Ouled Thaleb Zenata Syrah 2010 (90 points/$16) and Ouled Thaleb Zenata Medaillon 2010 (89 points/$16) are featured, noting how well they pair with lamb on the grill. "In Morocco, the syrah is just as spicy and rich (check out Ouled Thaleb's 2010 Zenata Syrah for proof) but maybe a touch more earthy – pitched toward cumin-rubbed, slow roasted lamb caller mechoui, or couscous made with mutton and sweet spice." – Tara Q. Thomas, Executive Editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine, June 2014
New Discoveries in the US Market
American consumers are quickly learning about the Moroccan wines and the Domaine Ouled Thaleb portfolio thanks to increased buzz by U.S. media, kicked off by the three-day luxury event, "Napa Valley Meets Morocco" in March. Additionally, wine-trade professionals are gaining greater exposure through various tasting activities with the brand's LA-based importer, Nomadic Distribution, importer of both Ouled Thaleb and Celliers de Meknes, currently the only two producers available in the U.S.
Since October 2013, the brand has increased distribution amongst 16 states including trade activities in New York, California, Texas and Washington D.C. Says Omar Monkachi, Marketing Director of Domaine Ouled Thaleb & Celliers de Meknes, "during the last quarter of 2013, we sold around 12,000 Moroccan wine bottles in the U.S. Since the beginning of 2014, we have nearly quadrupled that volume." Monkachi adds "with this growing interest in our Moroccan wines, we are eager to introduce new offerings at both affordable and high-end range in the upcoming months."
The Domaine Ouled Thaleb portfolio currently consists of:
Moroccan Red Blend 2012 SRP: $14 (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Grenache)
Moroccan White Blend 2012 SRP: $14 (60% Faranah (native), 40% Clairette)
Moroccan Rosé 2013 SRP: $14 (60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Cinsault)
Médaillon 2011 SRP: $16 (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Syrah)
Médaillon Sauvignon Blanc 2012 SRP: $16 (100% Sauvignon Blanc)
Syrah 2010 SRP: $16 (100% Syrah)
Un-Oaked Chardonnay 2011 SRP: $16 (100% Chardonnay)
Classic and Unique Regional Varietals in the Portfolio
The Moroccan wine region is located on the same latitude as Santa Barbara, Calif. and has ideal conditions for growing grapes. Most of the grapes grown are traditional French varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, with smaller Cinsault, Grenache, and Carignan plantings. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc are also produced in some areas throughout the region. The Faranah grape, a fairly scarce and indigenous grape remaining in Morocco today, is still used in Ouled Thaleb's White Blend. The low alcohol and low acidity of the white wine blend (Faranah and Clairette) makes for a perfect summertime wine, pairing quite well with spicy food.
Did You Know?
- Morocco is the largest producer of wine in the Arab world
- Of the 40 million bottles of wine produced in Morocco, 37 million are consumed domestically
- Following the French system, Morocco has 14 AOG's (Appellation of Origin Guaranteed) and 1 AOC (Appellation of Origin Controlled)
Follow Moroccan Wine pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Moroccan Wine:
Moroccan Wine is solely represented in the U.S. by two brands:
Domaine Ouled Thaleb, established in 1923 as Thalvin, in the Zenata region, is known to be the oldest and leading winery in the renaissance of Morocco's wine industry. The vineyards are situated in the coastal region between Casablanca and Rabat, facing the Atlantic Ocean. A traditional winemaking approach and a notable respect for the land have led to the creation of a unique collection of wines. By retaining indigenous varietals such as Faranah and introducing others such as Grenache, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Clairette and Sauvignon Blanc, Ouled Thaleb introduces the best of the Moroccan "Terroir" and has been imported in the U.S. by Nomadic Distribution since 2005.
Les Celliers de Meknes, founded in 1964 by Mr. Brahim Zniber, is the largest wine producer in the kingdom. The region of Meknès is situated in the foothills of the ATLAS Mountains. Because of the high altitude, sunshine, and mild temperatures, Meknès is the choice region for vineyards in Morocco. Celliers de Meknès is imported in the U.S. by Nomadic Distribution.
For Trade Queries:
Hassan Sefrioui, Sopexa USA
hassan.sefrioui@sopexa.com
212-386-7447
For Media Queries:
Marie-Christina Batich, Sopexa USA
marie-christina.batich@sopexa.com
212-386-7416