Domaine des Ouled Thaleb - Tandem Rouge 2023
A historic landmark of Moroccan vineyards, Domaine des Ouled Thaleb stretches across terroirs not far from Casablanca, swept by Atlantic winds. Here, generous sunshine meets cooler nights, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The estate has established itself as a flagship of fine Moroccan wines, with meticulous viticulture, controlled yields, and a constant pursuit of balance between intensity, freshness, and distinctive character. Tandem embodies the most contemporary facet of this winery, offering precise, characterful wines crafted for fine dining.
Tandem Rouge 2023 is a pure Syrah wine, conceived as a grand Mediterranean cuvée inspired by the Rhône Valley, but nourished by Moroccan light. The vines, deeply rooted in stony, clay-limestone soils, naturally produce limited yields and highly concentrated berries. The harvest, carried out in the cool of the morning, preserves the aromatic brilliance of the grape variety. Vinification is gentle, with controlled extraction to emphasize the finesse of the tannins and the purity of the fruit. Aging, in tanks and barrels that have held several wines, refines the structure without ever masking the sunny yet balanced personality of the 2023 vintage.
On the palate, the nose is intense and profound. It opens with notes of wild blackberry, blueberry, and black plum, enhanced by aromas of violet, black pepper, and a hint of black olive. With aeration, the bouquet gains complexity, developing nuances of garrigue, bay leaf, licorice, and light cocoa, in a harmonious and seductive whole. On the palate, the attack is ample and juicy, driven by vibrant dark fruit. The Syrah displays a generous texture with ripe, well-integrated tannins, structured by an unexpected freshness for a wine from a warm climate. Flavors of dark fruit, sweet spices, tapenade, and delicate smoke are elegantly layered. The finish is long, warm, yet perfectly balanced, marked by pepper, dried herbs, and a subtle touch of licorice that prolongs the pleasure.
At the table, Domaine des Ouled Thaleb Tandem Rouge 2023 naturally calls for generous and flavorful cuisine. It pairs wonderfully with grilled ribeye steak, leg of lamb roasted with garlic and rosemary, marinated kebabs with spices, lamb tagine with prunes, or confit shoulder of mutton. It also goes very well with Mediterranean or Middle Eastern cuisine, such as couscous with roasted vegetables, moussaka, candied vegetables, or a mezze platter. For vegetarian dishes, it enhances a pan-fried summer vegetable medley, eggplant gratin, roasted mushrooms, or a risotto with mild spices and fresh herbs.
Grape variety: 100% Syrah.
