Takes its name from the hot southern wind that carries warmth and Saharan dust across the Mediterranean basin, a force historically linked to the movement of cultures, trade routes and grape varieties such as Muscat across Spain, North Africa and Greece. In this context, Siróc reflects both climate and history, expressing a sun-driven Mediterranean identity shaped by wind, altitude and coastal influence.

Mare Nostrum Vini is a small, terroir-focused producer working across southern Europe with a low-intervention philosophy that emphasises site expression and restraint in the cellar. The wines are guided by climate and geography rather than manipulation, aiming to capture the raw identity of each region in a precise and textural style.

Siróc 2023 is a blend of 65% Muscat Petit Grains and 35% Muscat d’Alexandrie from Cassagnes in Roussillon, France, sourced from 55-year-old vines planted on ancient riverbed soils at 380m altitude. The elevation and stony alluvial soils are essential in balancing the natural aromatic intensity of Muscat with freshness, structure and mineral tension.

Winemaking is deliberately detailed and parcel-specific: Muscat Petit Grains undergoes whole-bunch fermentation with 9 days of skin contact, adding aromatic complexity, grip and phenolic structure, while Muscat d’Alexandrie is fermented destemmed to preserve purity and fruit expression. The wine is then aged for 24 months on fine lees in old oak, building texture and depth while allowing the aromatic profile to evolve slowly and naturally without overt oak influence.

On the palate, Siróc is both expressive and controlled. Aromas of orange blossom, jasmine, ripe apricot and citrus peel are layered with subtle spice and a faint saline edge. The skin contact component from Muscat Petit Grains provides gentle grip and structure, while Muscat d’Alexandrie contributes roundness and aromatic lift. The extended lees ageing adds a creamy, textural mid-palate that balances the wine’s natural freshness and acidity.

The result is a Muscat of unusual seriousness and depth: aromatic but structured, generous yet precise. Shaped by wind, altitude and long élevage, Siróc delivers a distinctly Mediterranean interpretation of Muscat that prioritises texture, tension and aromatic clarity over sweetness or excess.