Wine Along The 101
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    • 2021 Articles >
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • About Me
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Tunisia is a country of contrasts.  An African land seemingly too hot for viticulture, yet vineyards thrive in a Mediterranean climate near the Sea.  A Muslim majority population that does not drink alcohol, yet has a modern outlook, allowing tourists to drink in resorts, and non-Muslim locals in bars and at home.  Although it has almost 3,000 years of winemaking history, today’s wine industry is struggling to reinvent itself.  And with all the obstacles to making modern wine in an ancient land, the wines are surprisingly good, more savory than fruity, their fresh acidity, minerality and ripe tannins make them very food-friendly.
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At first glance, Tunisia appears to be too hot for wine production.  Located on the northern coast of Africa, bordered by Libya and Algeria, with the Saharan Desert on the southern border and the Mediterranean Ocean on the eastern edge, it actually has a Mediterranean climate with maritime influences, very much like Sicily.  Except for the rare blast of hot Saharan wind known as Sirocco, the climate is very conducive to growing grapes.  Syrah and Carignan do particularly well for red wines, as does Muscat for whites, but Mourvedre, Cinsault, Grenache, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also grown.  Over 65% of their production is Rosé, in all shades of pink, with 25% red and less than 10% white.  There are seven AOCs, over 31,000 hectares, with the largest concentration in Cap Bon.  Almost 40 million bottles are produced, of which 60% are made by a government-supported co-op, the other 40% are made by five privately-owned wineries.  And surprisingly, the majority of Tunisian wines are consumed within its borders.  
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Phoenicians brought winemaking to Tunisia when Carthage was built almost 3,000 years ago, but when Muslim rule took over in the 7th century, most winemaking stopped, except for a few isolated producers, whose wines were both consumed by ancient Romans and the French after phylloxera destroyed their vineyards.  Large numbers of Italians came to Tunisia in the 1800’s followed by the French, who conquered Tunisia in 1881, their expertise reinvigorated the local wine industry.  And although the Muslim population didn’t drink wine, it was produced for export, encouraged and refined by French winemakers.  After the French left in 1956, political upheaval interfered with the wine business, leaving a void in quality, but for the past twenty years, there has been a push to invest in and modernize winemaking by individuals who find wine is part of their culture and dining experiences.  And a new EU-funded initiative is putting Tunisia back on the wine map of the world.
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Kathy Bailey of Travis Wine Imports
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And now, Tunisian wines are beginning to be imported into the US, thanks to the efforts of Kathy Bailey of Travis Wine Imports.  Bailey first traveled to Tunisia after the Arab Spring revolution in 2012, and was impressed with their quality.  But she was disappointed when she discovered that the wines were not available for purchase in the US.  When Bailey asked winemakers why they didn’t export to the US, they told her that they understood Americans wouldn’t pay more than $8 for a bottle of wine.  So, settling that misconception, Bailey began importing the wines for our consumption.  Currently, two producers, Ceptunes from the Mornag AOC, located near the Mediterranean, and Domaine Neferis from the Sidi Salem AOC, 30 kilometers from the coast, are available, and they are very good values, from $14-20 a bottle, except for one red wine blend that is priced at $40.
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A media and trade tasting was held at Jaffa Restaurant, and there was a lot of excitement among the chefs, sommeliers, and wine writers, giddy about the opportunity to taste Tunisian wine.  And they didn’t disappoint, seven wines, in all shades, shone alongside some really amazing food, served family-style.  Starting off with a glass of Ceptunes Jour et Nuit Muscat 2016, this aromatic white seemed fruity on the nose, but was dry and delicate, made from Muscat of Alexandria.
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Kubaneh Yemenite Pull-Apart Rolls
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Sweet Pea Agnolotti with Turkish Yogurt Sauce, Pecorino Romano
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Chickpea Salad with Charred Cucumber, Asparagus, Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette
Domaine Neferis Magnifique Rosé 2016, a Syrah/Grenache blend, is a brilliant copper pink in color, with white peach, melon, and berry fruit, and a mineral structure on the palate.  Served alongside three dishes for a first course, Sweet Pea Agnolotti, Chickpea Salad, and Kubaneh, succulent pull-apart rolls, it was really delicious, and complimented a variety of flavors in the dishes.
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Eggplant Tahina with Pistachios, Date Nectar, Pomegranate
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Turmeric-Roasted Cauliflower Tahina with Garlic Labneh, Dried Plums
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Shawarma-Spiced Organic Salmon with Parsley Freekeh Tabouli
Domaine Neferis Selian Rouge Carignan 2015, a dense, complex wine with blackcurrant, spice, and violet, and a silky, full palate, along with the Domaine Neferis Selian Rouge Reserve Carignan 2013, an intense, structured wine with candied fruit and spice, were everything I like about Carignan.  Paired with a second course of three dishes, Eggplant Tahina, Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Tahina, and Shawarma-Spiced Organic Salmon, both wines elevated the dishes with their spice note.
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Lamb Couscous with Niman Ranch Lamb, Moroccan spices, Dried Figs, Cilantro
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Roasted Vegetable Couscous with Avocado Hummus, Harissa, Coriander
Domaine Neferis 2009, a Carignan-Syrah blend, was an intense wine, with cherry and plum fruit, and spice, stylish with velvety tannins and a persistent finish, and the Ceptunes Didona Red 2012, a Cabernet Sauvignon-Syrah blend, a stunning wine with dark berry fruit, spice and leather, intense and elegant, demonstrated talented winemaking.  Served alongside two dishes for the third course, Lamb Couscous and Roasted Vegetable Couscous, their depth of flavor echoed in the dishes.
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Malabi Harry's Berries over Buttermilk Lemon Pudding, Basil, Black Pepper
The finale, Domaine Neferis Magnifique Blanc 2016, a Chardonnay-Muscat blend, was a tapestry of citrus and tropical fruit, fresh and bright, well balanced with fragrant aromatics.  Paired with a dessert of Harry’s Berries over Buttermilk Lemon Pudding, it was delightful.
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The revival of Tunisia’s winemaking culture goes hand in hand with a push to re-establish its tourism industry, with hopes of creating wine tourism to vineyards and archeological sites.  In the meantime, these wines are making their way to US wine stores, well-made wines that are worthy of exploration, extremely food-friendly and delicious by the glass.