Egypt, although only a very minor wine-producing nation today, is home to some of the oldest winemaking traditions on Earth. Archaeological finds, including ceremonial tomb paintings, have shown that wine was produced in Egypt as far back as the third millennium B.C.
Today there are only perhaps three Egyptian wineries in operation (one of which imports grapes from Lebanon. This is not just because of the religious and political context; Egypt's climate is simply too hot and dry to support viticulture on any scale. Although vines are famously fond of dry conditions, they need a certain amount of water for respiration and photosynthesis.
The famously fertile Nile Delta (one of the world's largest river deltas) is the only part of Egypt where viticulture is a practical enterprise. The delta is formed as the Nile River fans out before draining into the Mediterranean. It stretches westwards along the coast from Port Said to Alexandria (home of the Muscat of Alexandria grape), and thus benefits from the cooling effects of the nearby sea.
In Ancient Egypt, just as in Rome and Greece at that time, wine was stored in amphorae – tall earthenware pots made of fired clay. Clay is naturally porous, so a coat of resin was applied to prevent the wine from evaporating. This was most likely pine resin, which would have left a sappy, tangy taste in the wine. A similar effect is still used to make Greek Retsina today.
Often wines were taken for their medicinal properties. These often had all manner of herbs, spices and other plant extracts (including gums and resins) added to them, and might have tasted something like modern-day Barolo Chinato.
Northern Africa may not be the most famous wine-producing zone in the world, but several countries here have centuries-old vinicultural traditions. The most notable of these are (from west to east) Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria,Israel, Jordan and particularly Lebanon.
In 2005 he was approached by Gianaclis (owned by the Heineken group), who produce a total of about eight million bottles of wine a year. As he puts it, 'the quality of Egyptian wines is not very high. Wines are produced mainly from concentrate and from imported grapes, mainly out of Lebanon and South Africa.
The main varieties used in red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Bobal and Tempranillo, while Viognier, Chardonnay and Muscat are used for white wines.
Earlier this month, the team revealed that they had unearthed “a huge amount of grave goods” that were buried with Queen Meret-Neith, including hundreds of well-preserved wine jars. Not only were many of the jars still sealed, but some actually contained the organic remnants of the now 5,000-year-old vino.
Egypt, although only a very minor wine-producing nation today, is home to some of the oldest winemaking traditions on Earth. Archaeological finds, including ceremonial tomb paintings, have shown that wine was produced in Egypt as far back as the third millennium B.C.
Drink. Tea is Egypt's national drink, while coffee is part of the traditional welcome. Karkadeh is a traditional drink made from boiling dried red hibiscus flowers, the water is then chilled. Sugar is added and this drink can also be enjoyed hot as herbal tea.
Despite religious restrictions and conflicting views on alcohol after the Muslim conquest of Egypt, the consumption of beer did not cease, and it still remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country by far, accounting for 54 percent of all alcohol consumption.
In pharaonic Egypt, wine, known as “irep,” was an exceptional product reserved for the elites. However, during the New Kingdom period (-1550 to -1085), texts mention a drink even rarer and more prestigious than wine: the shedeh. It is believed to be none other than the gift from the sun god Ra to his sons.
History. The Speyer wine bottle most likely holds wine, and was originally found in 1867, in what is now the Rhineland-Palatinate region of Germany near Speyer, one of the oldest settlements in the area. The artifact has since become known as "the world's oldest existing bottle of wine".
(Šsmw), Shesmu (alternatively Schesmu and Shezmu) is an ancient Egyptian deity with a contradictory character. He was worshiped from the early Old Kingdom period. He was considered a god of ointments, perfume, and wine.
Beer, whose consumption goes back to pharaonic times, is the most widely available form of alcohol. Native Stella beer is a light lager (4 percent ABV) which is OK if it hasn't sat in the sun for too long.
The sale and consumption of alcohol in Egypt is complicated. As Egypt is a majority Muslim country, many locals abstain from alcohol completely. However, it is possible to find liquor stores and bars in some upmarket neighbourhoods, and many hotels and resorts serve alcohol.
The wine had great depth with dark berry flavours and a light peppery finish. Not a very complex wine, but it went extremely well with the spicy tripe casserole I ate that evening. The production of wine is largely concentrated within Nile Delta region due to its softer climate and fertile land.
As Egypt is a majority Muslim country, many locals abstain from alcohol completely. However, it is possible to find liquor stores and bars in some upmarket neighborhoods, and many hotels and resorts serve alcohol.
Despite religious restrictions and conflicting views on alcohol after the Muslim conquest of Egypt, the consumption of beer did not cease, and it still remains the most popular alcoholic beverage in the country by far, accounting for 54 percent of all alcohol consumption.
Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452
Phone: +97313824072371
Job: Education Orchestrator
Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building
Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
