Although not visited as a part of the trip, details of this small estate came to light while travelling and were considered worthy of inclusion after a tasting of the whites.

The property is owned and governed by Charles Melia of Château de la Font du Loup in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. He founded the estate in 1994 on the coast near Essaouira, making it the most southerly quality winery in the Maghreb. The latitude is hot but the climate is tempered by Atlantic breezes and the quality of the wine indicates a fair understanding of hot climate winemaking.

Le Val d’Argan's wines

  • **½

    Le Val d’Argan Mogador White

    Grapes: Blend of the white varieties

    Deep yellow to gold. Savoury nose, nut, cheese rind and quince. Fleshy palate. Nuts, cheddar and dried apple. Warm but not too hot. Fair acidity backing medium alcohol. Honey on the finish. Good wine.

  • ***

    Le Val d’Argan Grande Réserve White

    Grapes: 100% Roussanne

    Gold. High intensity nose. Ripe melon, fig, cheese rind, honey and a hint of vanilla oak. Chunky palate, warm and mouth-coating. Good balance. Dried peach, toffee apple and integrated oak. A big, interesting wine with plenty of character.

  • **

    Le Val d’Argan Mogador Red

    Grapes: Blend of the red varieties

    Dark red. Muted nose. Redcurrant and dusty wood. Astringent palate, tannins aggressive and overpowering. Cool feel. Aromatics a little dumb. Hints of currants, damson and tar, but lost within the structure.

  • **

    Le Val d’Argan Grande Réserve Red

    Grapes: Blend of the red varieties

    Opaque red. Gamey nose, black pepper & kirsch. Palate again dominated by tannin, more balanced but still astringent. Interesting aromatics, damson, cedar and blackcurrant, but they will be gone by the time the tannins soften.