Lebanese Wine Day

Tasting at Lebanese Wine Day.

Wines of Lebanon are not that popular (yet), but this country has long wine making history.
Wine making in Lebanon was introduced by Phoenicians sometime between 1500 B.C. and 300 B.C.
Their wines were widely exported to Venice in the Middle Ages, and even during the time of Ottoman Empire, Christian monks kept making wine.
Lebanese wine shows French influence and many of them are made with varieties common in Bordeaux or southern France.

Mountain ranges play a significant role for wine making condition. The Mediterranean Sea creates moderating effect, but altitudes give more influence. It calms down the temperature and makes wine making possible at this latitude.
The major wine making region is Bekaa Valley. Low in water and nutrients, vines are planted in low density.

Domaine des Tourelles from Bekaa Valley.
It's the oldest commercial winery in Lebanon, and is resurging with enthusiastic winemaker.
Syrah du Liban 2011 was aromatic. Flower, watermelon and some meatiness.
Their wines were all good.

Cave du Monastere St. Jean was established in 1720. Probably the oldest winery in Lebanon.
Cuvee Zakher 2013 had fresh tea and apple skin. Food friendly.
2014 had red fruit and dried fruit. Texture was soft.

Chateau Barka was established in 2009.
Chateau 2012 had ripe fruit (not jammy), spice, tea and coffee.

Chateau Belle-Vue makes wine with dry-farmed grapes from organic vineyards.
Somebody called their wine "Better than Bordeaux!"
La Renaissance 2009 is made with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Citrus flower, red fruit, mint and spice. Strong tannin.
Le Chateau 2008 is a red blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Flower and fruit. Gripping tannin.

Chateau Kefraya was established in 1979 in West Bekaa.
Les Coteaux 2013 is a red blend of Syrah, Marselan (cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache) and Cabernet Franc.
Red and pink fruit and coffee. Freshness of green tea.
Blanc de Blancs 2015 had fresh green fruit and acacia.
Myst 2015 is rose wine comes with sleek bottle. Fresh cherry and slight tannin.
Comte de M 2010 had spice and fresh, dark fruit. High tannin and long finish.

Chateau Musar
In a class of its own.
From white wine made with indigenous grapes with savory notes to affordable Musar Jeune to gorgeous Chateau Musar. Every wine was impeccable in each category.

Overall, red wines from Lebanon showed more spice than flower.
They were wines with power, boldness and restraint.
Good wines, definitely deserve more praise and attention.