Wine Heritage and Traditions in Kerkennah

The book ＂Patrimoine et Traditions Viticoles à Kerkennah＂, is an exhaustive study that sheds light on the history of the vine and the viticultural culture of the Tunisian archipelago of Kerkennah, a particular and difficult environment, witness to the history of Mediterranean civilizations, which despite its vulnerability remains highly coveted.The authors describe the vine in the historical and environmental context of the Kerkennah terroir. The vine, a valuable genetic heritage, is an integral part not only of the agricultural production system, but also of the archipelago’s rich history. Despite pedoclimatic constraints such as drought, degradation of plant cover, desertification and soil salinization, and climate change, the vine introduced by the Carthaginians persists, tracing the evolutionary patterns of the plots and the methods of management practiced.The book then explores traditional methods and know-how, as well as vine-growing practices and the production of fresh grapes, raisins and wine, with a special mention of the island’s flagship native grape variety.