This Month we had Lebanese wine presented by Duncan Ross of Berkmann Wine Cellars.
Lebanon has a very long history of wine making – one of the very oldest going back several thousand years. However, the modern tradition is very French, coming from the time when Lebanon was in the French part of the carve up of the middle east post WW1. Chateau Ksara predates that somewhat, founded in 1857 and is Lebanon’s oldest winery. Almost all the grapes are classic French varieties, but there are some indigenous varieties making their way into the mix.
Some excellent wines – mostly very French in style but with some local grapes in there. Note: All prices are wholesale and rounded up/down
Whites :
Blanc de l'Observatoire, 2023. Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Clairette, Obedieh. This works very well. Easy drinking, and a little unusual. The Muscat adds florality and aromas. 13%. 13.50
Blanc de Blancs, 2023. Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay. This is an unusual blend of Bordeaux and Burgundy grapes. Personally not really for me. 13%, £16.20
Merwah, 2023 100% Merwah 13%, £16.93. This is an indigenous variety, very old, very hardy, from old vines. The first ever time its been imported to the UK. I rather liked it. It offers intense citrus and white flowers with mineral notes, apparently. 13% £16.90
Reds :
The French influence in the red wins is enormous. In fact, you might say these ARE French wines.
Le Prieuré Rouge, 2020 30% Carignan, 30% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 20% Caladoc. Pretty beefy and tannic. A good blend. 13.5%, £13.50
Reserve du Couvent Rouge, 2020. 40% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Quite tannic, perhaps not quite ready to drink. Would definitely be a food wine. 13.5% £14.80
Old Vine Carignan, 2021 - 100% Carignan. A pure 100% Carignan is unusual. This one is very good. 13.5% £16.80
Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13% £22.60
Château Ksara Rouge, 2019 - 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot. Essentially a classic Bordeaux. 13.5% £23.10
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