Algerian Wine

Algerian Wine

The climate in north-west Algeria is well-suited for grape cultivation.

In 2019, Algeria produced approximately 500,000 hectoliters of wine, most of it is exported to France, Italy, and Spain, where it is blended or sold under other labels.

All Algeria's vineyards are located near the Moroccan border. Close to the sea, this area has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and dry, hot summers, similar to the wine regions of southern Spain.

The History

Prior to the Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962), Algeria was the largest wine exporter in the world, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total international wine trade.

The Wines

According to ONCV (Office National de Commercialisation des Produits Viti-vinicoles), Algeria has seven quality wine production zones that may appear on Algerian wine labels:

• Coteaux de Tlemcen
• Monts du Tessalah
• Coteaux de Mascara
• Dahra hills
• Coteaux du Zaccar
• Médéa
• Aïn Bessem Bouira

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The Islamic Law

The wine industry in Morocco is subject to some restrictions. The majority of Muslim population, which practices Islamic law, prohibits alcohol consumption.

As a result, the domestic consumption is limited, and most Algerian wines are exported.