Lebanese Wine

The message may be taking time to filter through, but Lebanon is no longer a one wine country. We  have chosen some favorite producers, in a selection of thumbnail sketches listed in no particular order.

Château Ksara

The country's oldest winery will be celebrating its 150th birthday in 2007.

Château Kefraya

Owned by the charismatic Druze politician Walid Jumblat, who bought a controlling stake from the De Bustros family in the late '80s,

Château Musar

Musar needs no introduction, but readers may not be as familiar with the Hochar Pére et Fils 2000, Musar's second and, according to Serge Hochar, “more accessible” creation.

Massaya

A boutique winery founded by Ramzi and Sami Ghosn and their high-profile French partners - the Brunier brothers and Dominic Hébrard - in the mid '90s.

Domaine Wardy

Wardy has a portfolio of 12 wines, including five varietals and a very gluggable, Christmas blend.

Cave Kouroum

This is a Kefraya winery that produces ten wines under the careful eye of the colorful, hippy winemaker Yves Morard, who did so much to put the neighboring Château Kefraya on the map in the '80s and early '90s.

Clos St Thomas

The Touma family made their name in Arak. In the mid '90s they moved into wine production proper and the result was Clos St Thomas (Touma is Arabic for Thomas).

Domaine des Tourelles

Lebanon's second oldest producer. It may produce what is arguably the finest arak in the world.

Heritage

 is a micro-winery owned by another Touma, Dargham, or Dr D as his label proclaims. I recommend his Grand Vin Bourgeois. It is elegant, rounded, and fruity, underpinned with spices.

Château Fakra

is a small producer in Mount Lebanon. Its top wine is Selection Privée 2001, a very classy and correct Cabernet Sauvignon.

Clos de Qana

Located in Ras al Harf in the Lamartine Valley. The Château de Cana 2001 is an absolute knockout Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, awash with liquorice, berries, thyme and even a hint of sumac.

Vin Nakad

One of Lebanon's oldest producers. The favorite is the Château 2000, a sturdy, medium-bodied wine that has developed a pleasing suppleness with notes of popcorn and jam.

Karam Winery and Château Belle-Vue

Produce less than 50,000 bottles between them, but the results are impressive.

Nabise Mont Liban

Favorite is Château 2002 which is made from Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Merlot and Syrah. It has aroma's of framboise, musk and hints of vanilla, while it is silky and long in the mouth.

Thanks to Author: Michael Karam

Information From the Ministry of Tourism

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