High Atlas Feature

South and west of Meknès, from Sidi-Slimane to Boufakrane, are Morocco's best vineyards, known since Roman times for producing fine wines. At a mean altitude of 1,970 feet, the vines grow in clay soils and benefit from the dry and sunny climate excellent for producing powerful, full-bodied, highly expressive wines. The cooling breezes from both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean keep the nights fresh and the grapes' acidity viable. The traditional varieties, originally imported from France, are Carignane and Cinsault for reds and Clairette and Muscat for whites. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also present in smaller quantities, as are Grenache and Syrah. Guerrouane, Medaillon, Cuvée du Président, Ksar, and Coquillage are some of the best wines to look for. French actor Gérard Depardieu's Meknès vineyard in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains produces a Syrah blend called Gérard Depardieu Lumière, made with 25-year old vines and described in tasting notes as a "jammy, ultra-concentrated Rhone-style" brew.