As we sip a fresh glass of Banned white wine at sunset, we can’t help but appreciate its unmistakable golden lemon yellow color and very pleasant aromas of honey, melon, and citrus fruits. The addition of light mineral notes on the palate makes it a truly enjoyable experience. Revealing the name of this wine, we understand everything: we have a bottle of “Beausoleil of Egypt” in front of us, one of the best-known, valuable, and award-winning Egyptian wines, obtained from a native vine of the country of the Pharaohs, precisely the Bannati.
Beausoleil d’Egypt rosé
Introduction to Egyptian Wines
The “Beausoleil” is the pearl of the Koroum of the Nile winery, located near Minya, one of the main wine-growing districts of the town, approximately 250 kilometers north of the Capital. Minya is a 20 kilometers and Beni Hasan ancient necropolis famous for rock tombs excavated, rich in wall paintings.
The various variants of Beausoleil d’Egypt
Exploring Egyptian Wine Regions
Tasting local wines is always a way to complete the travel experience, whether you are in Egypt to visit the Pyramids, take a river cruise, or relax in a seaside resort like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste this light but structured wine, which fully matches the terroir rich in history and charm where it comes from.
Wine production in Egypt dates back to the times of the pharaohs
Egyptian Grape Varieties
Another famous grape variety produced on the banks of the Nile is the White Muscat from Alexandria, from which we obtain a sweet and fragrant wine. Unlike the Banati, this grape is not only bred in Egypt but has also traveled the world, finding better fame and fortune in Sicily, especially on the island of Pantelleria, with the name of Zibibbo (from Arabic zabib, raisins).
An Egyptian vine
Native and International Vines in Egypt
Egyptian wine production, although still limited (approximately 30 million hectoliters per year), is not limited to these two local excellences. Next to other native vines, such as the Ballads berry white and red, Red roumi, and Khalil, white and red, we find excellent wines obtained from international grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sirah (Shiraz), Grenache, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Montepulciano for reds, and Chardonnay, Viognier, and Vermentino for whites.
In Egypt, there are several varieties of native grapes
Pairing Egyptian Wines with Local Cuisine
Wine pairing with Egyptian cuisine, rich in spices, tasty, and not infrequently spicy, generally prefers structured white wines, dry and fresh rosés, light reds, and little tannic. Everyone, in general, is equipped with good acidity and aromaticity to balance (and enhance) the complexity and richness of flavors.
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