Moroccan drinks

Moroccan wines are a legacy of the French rule in Morocco. And although Moslems do not drink wines or alcohol in any form – it is strictly forbidden by the Koran – they have no aversion to producing them. You will find many agreeable reds, whites and rosés in all the major Moroccan cities, which are excellent accompaniments to the rich Moroccan cuisine. My own favourites are Gris de Boulaouane, a dry, light and fruity rosé; Valpierre (blanc de blancs), a dry white from the region of Zaërs near Rabat; Guerrouane, a rich, fruity red wine from Ait-Yazem near Meknes; and Toulal, both red and white, from the plains near Guerrouane. The Moroccans themselves drink excellent cooling waters instead – Sidi Harazam (still) and Oulmes (sparkling) – as well as the national drink, nâa-naa (the à la menthe), freshly brewed mint tea made with Chinese green (gunpowder) tea, sprigs of fresh mint and cane sugar.