Winemaking in Lebanon pre-dates almost every other corner of the globe. The Phoenicians were producing wines around the idyllic Bekaa Valley from at least the 3rd millennium BC, and were integral in the spread of viticulture to modern-day Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal.
While the region has endured eons of historical upheaval, Lebanese vintners are today facing unprecedented challenges to the future of their industry. Between Israeli air strikes decimating vineyards last year and this season’s record-setting drought—the worst in recorded history, per government officials—many producers have been pushed to the brink of ruin, just as they’d begun to put the disastrous Beirut port explosion and pandemic behind them.
Lebanese wines aren't always readily available, but are well-worth seeking out. I put up a graphic with some of the more prominent producers of Lebanon; I haven’t had all of their wines, but have tried many and haven’t been disappointed, fwiw.
One of my favorite producers from Lebanon is Domaine des Tourelles. Founded more than 150 years ago, Tourelles was Lebanon's first established wine company. The winery organically farms some 50 hectares of land situated at altitudes up to 1,400m, with certain parcels sheltering vines up to 70 years old.
Tourelles produces from these ancient plots an “Old Vines Collection” (anyone tried the blend of Merweh and Obeidi?!?), which includes a beautiful varietal Cinsault. This wine teems with notes of red and black cherry, redcurrant, and black plum, with slight clove, fennel seed, and earthiness; very subtle tannins and moderate acidity, with a texture like raspberry coulis; waves of refreshing layers lingering over an enjoyably long finish. A beautiful encapsulation of Cinsault’s potential.
The Lebanese wine trade needs some love right now. Picking up a bottle or two—from any producer—can help a region trying to get back on its feet, while preserving a vibrant segment of viticultural history.
Any producers I missed worth a mention?
by ItsWine101
9 Comments
Musar is obviously amazing but not cheap. Ch Heritage follows in their footsteps and is absolutely incredible for the price.
I always see Ksara at the store but have never bit the bullet.
This is my favorite cinsault, definitely underrated.
Would love to try musar but its very rare in my province of Canada
Most people outside Lebanon know about Musar but nothing else. As a result of that, Musar is now overpriced.
Thanks for the suggestions. I have several bottles of a nice red blend called Sendiana. I can’t see that on your map.They are based at monastery on mount Lebanon, and have only been going about 10 years.
I particularly enjoyed the Chateau Kefraya Comte de M, for me, easily on par with the Musar. Quite like the white one from Musar, but it’s one to share. It can get quite tiring after two glasses.
I’ve had good experience with Ixsir, particularly their whites.
I’m also one of the few in this sub that just does not ‘get’ Musar. Had it plenty of times, low strike rate of success. Too much VA and bottle variance for me.
had a [beqaa valley syrah from domaine wardy](https://www.domainewardy.com/collections/wine/products/syrah-2019) a couple months ago that was wonderful. unoaked, very classic peppery and black cherry nose with a lovely black cherry/plum notes on the palate and a nice smooth and lingering finish.
we’ve got a BYOB Lebanese restaurant close by so I plan to bring a bottle there after my wife gives birth.
Had Ksara, musar, st thomas, massaya. Loved Musar and st Thomas for reds, Ksara does interesting whites