Top 100 red wines of Tunisia
Discover the top 100 best red wines of Tunisia as well as the best winemakers in the region. Explore the varietals of the red wines that are popular of Tunisia and the best vintages to taste in this region.
Discovering the wine region of Tunisia
Tunisia is a North African country with a Long (if not consistent) history of wine production. Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, the Tunisian wine industry produces over 40 million litres of wine per year. However, it has suffered over the past decade due to the collapse of North African tourism. Tourists are also responsible for about 50% of consumption.
In response to this situation, the European Union has funded several recent initiatives to help wine farms.
Vineyards cover about 14,000 hectares (34,500 acres) of the country. About 80 percent are in the Cap Bon region and nearly two-thirds are controlled by the cooperative group Les Vignerons de Carthage. It was created in response to the difficulties caused by the Phylloxera epidemic of 1936 to 1947.
There are seven appellations of controlled origin.
The strong French involvement in Tunisian viticulture largely dictates the main Grape varieties planted. Those associated with the Southern regions of France/provence">Provence and Languedoc are the most used. The classic Terroir of southern France has similarities with that of northern Tunisia.
Discover the grape variety: Carignan
Mainly cultivated in the Languedoc region, carignan originates from Spain. Because of its very resistant branches, it is often called hardwood. Its bunches are quite large. They are compact and winged with a lignified stalk. The berries are spherical in shape and take on a bluish-black colour. Carignan has a total of 25 approved clones, the best known of which are 274, 65 and 9. The carignan buds at the beginning of June and is protected from spring frosts. It does not reach maturity until the third period. Also, this grape variety needs warmth and sunshine. It appreciates dry and not very fertile soils. Carignan vines can live for more than 100 years. Those that are more than 30 years old produce a better wine. This wine is well coloured. It is generous and powerful at the same time. Pepper, cherry, blackberry, banana, raspberry, almond, prune and violet are some of the aromas that this grape variety gives off.
Food and wine pairing with a red wine of Tunisia
red wines from the region of Tunisia go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of roast beef in a crust, irish stew with beer or mutton stew with potatoes and garlic.
