La Petite Ferme Blanc 2023, La Ferme Rouge

The 2023 La Petite Ferme Blanc opens with a lively bouquet that blends the zesty brightness of Sauvignon Blanc with the sun-kissed charm of Vermentino. Aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and fresh-cut grass leap from the glass, backed by subtle hints of green apple and wild herbs. On the palate, it’s refreshingly crisp yet round, offering a layered texture that balances saline minerality with ripe stone fruit flavors. A streak of acidity drives through the core, giving it an energetic, mouthwatering finish that’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.

As it opens up, the wine reveals more complexity—notes of lemon zest, pear skin, and a touch of flinty smoke emerge, nodding to the vineyard’s diverse soils of ancient sand, red clay, limestone, and shale. There’s a coastal breeze quality to it, likely thanks to the Atlantic's influence just 45 kilometers away, that adds lift and elegance. Neither aggressively herbaceous nor overtly fruity, this blend strikes a harmonious chord between freshness and finesse. Serve it with marinated vegetables, seafood pastilla, or just a quiet moment of escape.

Located in the Zaër region of Morocco, the soil is a complex mix of ancient sand, red clay, limestone, and shale. These soils lend finesse and aromatic lift as well as structure and minerality. Paired with the strong Mediterranean influence, this climate retains freshness and balance in the wine.

With its bright citrusy character, this wine is perfect with seafood! Grilled shrimp, oysters, ceviche or pan seared scallops. It also compliments fresh goat cheese and Brie, citrus dressed salads and white meats. For vegetarians, grilled zucchini, asparagus and even a creamy mushroom pasta!

About the Winery

The La Ferme Rouge’s estate blueprint was laid out in 1908, and by 1933, the cellar was constructed, marking the production of its first vintage. Throughout the 1970s, La Ferme Rouge focused primarily on grape and olive fruit cultivation. It wasn't until 2001 that the estate fully reclaimed its original identity. The year 2009 marked a renaissance for La Ferme Rouge's wine production, with meticulous restoration of the winery, cellars, production, and storage facilities, all in harmony with the estate’s traditional architecture.

Hailing from the Zaërs region, La Ferme Rouge is lauded among Morocco’s historical wine regions. Located approximately 45 km from the ocean, the estate is bordered by the valleys of Wadi Korifla to the west and the foothills of the Middle Atlas to the south. Perched 450 meters above sea level, the estate benefits from a consistent Atlantic influence year-round. The 300-hectare vineyard boasts a diverse and exceptional terroir, with soils ranging from ancient sands and red clay to ferric clay on clay-limestone subsoil and shale. The estate's vineyards span diverse soils, including the rich clays of the Merchouch plateau, the filtering "Tirs" of the Rommani hillsides, and "Hamris" of the Had Brachoua valleys. This singular combination of soils provides the foundation for the finesse, structure, and strength of character that define the wines of Château La Ferme Rouge, breathing new life into a historic estate.

Since its establishment in 1908, Château La Ferme Rouge has been dedicated to sustainable farming practices, cultivating vines and olive trees. The cellar, built in 1933 amidst the vineyards and olive groves, has been fully restored, blending original architecture with modern elements. In 1998, significant efforts were undertaken to renovate and reorganize the farm. This included revitalizing the soil with organic-rich compost, establishing a comprehensive water network, creating retention and storage basins for rainwater and groundwater, uprooting old vines, and making the soil permeable again. These efforts have allowed the microfauna to thrive, rejuvenating old plots and planting new grape varieties suited to the local climate and soils.

AOC Les Côtes de Rommani is not part of the French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system. The AOC system in France is a specific designation used to classify and regulate wine regions within France. However, AOC Les Côtes de Rommani is an appellation within Morocco, reflecting the country’s own wine classification and regulation system.