Lebanese wine
Lebanon is among the oldest sites of wine production in the world.[1] The prophet Hosea (780–725 BC) is said to have urged his followers to return to God so that "they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon..."[2]
Lebanon's 5,000-year winemaking history reflects its rich heritage, from Phoenician roots to French influence, as well as the resilience of its people, who have endured countless challenges, resulting in a unique and enduring winemaking tradition.[3]
History
[edit]Antiquity
[edit]Vitis vinifera may have been domesticated in Lebanon, although it probably arrived from the South Caucasus via Mesopotamia or the Black Sea trade routes, and the saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast strain crucial to winemaking, may have originated in Mesopotamia, but a microsatellite-based study also identified a distinct cluster in Lebanon.[4]
Vines grew readily in the land of Canaan, the coastal strip of today's Lebanon, and the wines of Byblos were exported to Greece and Egypt during the Old Kingdom (2686 BC–2134 BC).[5]
Wine was cultivated and then domesticated in Lebanon, at least two thousand years before Alexander the Great[6]
The Phoenicians of the coastal strip were instrumental in spreading wine and viticulture throughout the Mediterranean in ancient times.[7]
The wines of Tyre and Sidon were famous throughout the ancient Mediterranean, although not all the cargoes reached their destination. Excavations at Tell el-Burak, a Phoenician settlement near Sidon, uncovered a well-preserved wine press dating back to the seventh century B.C., along with evidence of nearby vineyards, indicating the site's role in wine production for overseas trade.[8] Robert Ballard of Titanic fame found the wrecks of two Phoenician ships from 750 BC, whose cargo of wine was still intact.[9]
As the first great traders of wine ('Cherem'), the Phoenicians seem to have protected it from oxidation with a layer of olive oil, followed by a seal of pinewood and resin—this may well be the origin of the Greek taste for retsina.[10] The philosophers Zeno of Citium and Chrysippus of Soli are both said to have enjoyed their wine, in fact the latter died from overindulgence.[citation needed]
Wine played an important part in Phoenician religion, and the Greek/Roman god Dionysus/Bacchus may have originated in the wine rituals of Canaan. Certainly the great temple at Heliopolis (Baalbek) has many depictions of vines and winedrinking, most famously captured by David Roberts in pictures such as 'Baalbec - Ruins of the Temple of Bacchus'.[11][12] Such rituals may also have influenced the Greek Bacchae, the Jewish Passover Seder feast and the Christian Eucharist. The Bacchus temple in Baalbek outlines the instrumental role that the Phoenician played in the development of the Ancient World around the Mediterranean sea.[13] through the widespread peaceful settlements that reached Spain.
Phoenician wine is mentioned in the Bible, with Genesis 14:18 recounting how King Melchizedek offered bread and wine ("yayin") to Abraham,[14] while Hosea 14:8 describes the fame of Lebanon's wine as exceptional, saying, "his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon."[15]
The importance of winemaking in Lebanon continued during the Roman Empire, as evidenced by the stone-carved vines still winding around the columns of the Temple of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, in the vast ruins of Baalbek.[16] Some Roman cellars are still in use today, as seen in the famous cave at Château Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest winery. The cellars feature a two-mile-long network of tunnels originally built by the Romans and later revived by the Jesuits, who established the winery in the 19th century.[16]
Middle Ages
[edit]Wine production persisted until the seventh century when Lebanon was conquered by Arabs and came under the control of the Caliphate; however, the large indigenous Christian community was permitted to produce wine primarily for religious purposes, although significant quantities were also made for trade.[17]
In the Middle Ages, the fine wines of Tyre and Sidon were highly prized in Europe and traded by merchants from Venice, who controlled those ports for much of the 13th century.[18]
Ottoman period
[edit]During the Ottoman period, wine production in Lebanon was prohibited for 400 years, with the exception of Lebanese Christians, who were permitted, due to the millet system, to produce wine for religious purposes.[19] This exemption helped preserve viticulture in the region.[19]
Château Chbat was founded in 1847, making it the first modern winemaker in Lebanon, followed by Château Ksara in 1857 when Jesuits planted Cinsaut vines near Zahlé in the central Beqaa Valley.[20] [21] In 1868 a French engineer, Eugène François Brun, founded Domaine des Tourelles.[22] In 1893, Domaine Wardy was founded.[23]
French Mandate
[edit]During the French Mandate (1920–1946), French soldiers and diplomats boosted the local wine market,[24] leading to the founding of renowned wineries like Domaine Nakad, Château Musar, and Clos Saint Thomas.
The French influence between the World Wars promoted a culture of wine drinking, as did the sophisticated Mediterranean culture of Beirut at that time, sparking unprecedented demand for wine that continues today.[25] During this period, a few wineries were founded, including Domaine Nakad in 1923, Gaston Hochar's Chateau Musar in 1930, and Clos Saint Thomas in 1937.[23]
The War period
[edit]
The wine industry faced challenges during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990).
In 1976, amid the invasion of 30,000 Syrian troops and the devastation of Lebanon's civil war, Serge Hochar of Château Musar faced a fractured market and an inability to sell the wines in his cellars, but he seized the opportunity to export them to the UK.[26] Château Musar continued to face challenges during this period. After the invasion of Israel in 1982, 80 hectares of Château Musar vineyards in the Bekaa Valley became the frontline between Syrian and Israeli tanks, but despite the chaos, loyal Bedouin pickers collected the grapes, and Musar trucks managed to reach the winery.[26]
Frenchman Yves Morard of Chateau Kefraya was arrested as a spy during the Israeli invasion, and was only released when he proved to the Israelis that he knew how to make wine.[27]
However, a few wineries, like Château Kefraya, were founded.[23]
Present
[edit]The end of the Lebanese Civil War in the 1990s revitalized viticulture, with new wineries like Domaine Wardy (1997) and Massaya (1998) emerging, alongside significant foreign investment, particularly from France..[28] Peace brought forth a new generation of producers making wines that gained international awards and drew investment.[16]
Lebanon's wineries have withstood numerous crises, including economic challenges, political instability, and multiple wars with Israel in 1982, 1996, 2006, and 2024.
The 2006 conflict, did not really change the trend even if some wineries were on the edge of missing the harvest (Ksara) and got collateral damages (Massaya). However, the media coverage translated into surge in demand during the fighting as British buyers in particular bought Lebanese wine as a mark of solidarity.[29]
Wine regions and climate
[edit]
What makes Lebanon's winemaking regions stand out from other countries is the altitude, with grapes grown at the highest elevations in the Northern Hemisphere, ranging from 900 to 2,400 meters.[3] In addition to Lebanon's famed mountains, the country boasts diverse topography, including mountains, valleys, and coastal plains, which create a wide range of microclimates ideal for grape cultivation.[30] This gives the country three distinctive viticultural climates:[31]
- Subtropical Mediterranean on the coast
- Alpine in the mountains
- Continental in the Bekaa Valley
Another factor contributing to Lebanon being ideally suited for winemaking is the fact that Lebanon's climate closely resembles that of the Rhône.[16]
Bekaa Valley
[edit]Often transcribed as the Bekaa Valley in the wine industry, the Beqaa Valley, particularly the expansive agricultural regions in its eastern areas, accounts for the majority of Lebanon's renowned wine production.[32]
Since Biblical times, the Bekaa Valley—a high plain nestled between two mountain ranges—has been prized for its soil, climate, and vines, supplying wine to the Phoenicians, Persians, and Roman army.[16] The valley's conditions remain ideal for vines today: rich soils, protected slopes and valleys, almost year-round sunshine, high altitude with no summer rainfall, guaranteed harvest start dates, and minimal risk of disease.[16]
Other Regions
[edit]While most Lebanese winemaking takes place in the southern and western parts of the expansive Bekaa Valley, other regions include the high-altitude areas of:[25]
- North Lebanon
- Mount Lebanon
- Southern Lebanon, particularly Jezzine.
Grape varieties
[edit]Lebanese wine is made from a mix of international and indigenous grape varieties, with Cabernet Sauvignon adding structure and longevity to reds, Merlot contributing smoothness and fruity notes, Syrah enhancing blends with spices and complexity, Chardonnay producing rich and complex whites, and Sauvignon Blanc adding freshness and citrus notes.[33] While the indigenous white varieties Merwah and Obeideh are commonly used, Lebanese winemakers are increasingly focused on rediscovering and experimenting with other lesser-known native grape varieties, such as Tfeifihi, Zeini, Meksassi, Mourad, and Soubbagh.[24] Additionally, a growing number of wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic farming methods.[30]
Red varieties
[edit]Lebanese red wines, especially those from the Bekaa Valley, are known for their depth, complexity, and aging potential.[33]
Reds feature Rhône and Bordeaux blends, like the common Cabernet-Syrah with a unique spice component and flavors like cumin, sumac, incense, rosewater, carob, kirsch, and banana, in addition to indigenous white varieties.[3] as well as notes of dark fruits, spices, tobacco, and leather, with well-structured tannins and balanced acidity.[33] Red varieties also include Cinsault, Carignan, and Syrah, while whites and rosé, include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier.[25] Cinsault, introduced to Lebanon by French Jesuits in the 19th century, holds great promise as a signature grape for the country, with vintner Faouzi Issa of Domaine des Tourelles believing it can become Lebanon's champion, as its ability to fully ripen in Lebanon's year-round sunshine and high altitudes creates a concentrated, complex wine, unlike its underdog status in France.[34]
The indigenous red varieties, Meksassi, Mourad, and Soubbagh, are lesser-known grape varieties that produce wines with bold flavors and are often used in blends to add structure, complexity, and aromatic profiles.[24]Meksassi has a deep color and robust tannins while Mourad has firm tannins and dark berry notes and Soubbagh has medium body and fruity, herbal characteristics.[24]
Notable examples of Lebanese red wines include:
- Château Musar Rouge
- Château Kefraya Comte de M
White varieties
[edit]Lebanese white wines are fresh and vibrant, with aromas of tropical fruits, citrus, and floral notes.[33] The indigenous white grapes to Lebanon are the Obaideh and Merwah.[35][36]
Obeideh (also spelled "Obaideh" or "Obeidi") is high in sugar and low in acidity, producing wines with a creamy texture[37] and imparts freshness and minerality to wines.[33]
Merwah is valued for its disease resistance and ability to produce wines with vibrant acidity and fruity flavors[33], specifically subtle citrus and nutty notes.[38]
Other lesser-known white varieties, known for their bright acidity and refreshing profile, include Tfeifihi, which produces aromatic wines with citrus, stone fruit, and floral notes, and Zeini, known for its delicate floral bouquet, green apple, pear, and citrus flavors.[24]
Notable examples of Lebanese white wines include:
- Château Ksara Blanc de Blancs
- Ixsir Altitudes Blanc
Rosé and sparkling varieties
[edit]Lebanon also produces high-quality rosé and sparkling wines, which are gaining popularity both locally and internationally.[34] Rosés are light and fruity, while sparkling wines offer an elegant alternative to traditional champagnes.[34]
Notable examples of rosé and sparkling wines include:
- Château Musar Rosé
- Ixsir Grande Réserve Rosé 2018
- Ksara Rosé de Ksara
Production
[edit]Lebanon's wine industry has overcome political instability and economic uncertainty in recent years, continuing to grow due to the resilience of winemakers who focus on high-quality production.[30] The wine industry in Lebanon continues to thrive, driven by customer preferences, market trends, local factors, and macroeconomic influences, alongside the rise of organic and biodynamic varieties, the growth of wine tourism, and Lebanon's unique climate and terroir, all of which contribute to the country's exceptional wine production that gains increasing global recognition despite ongoing challenges.[30]
Despite challenges such as high land and labor costs, erratic energy supplies, the need for imported winemaking necessities, and the impact of climate change on water management and grape cultivation, a new generation of Lebanese winemakers is driven by confidence and curiosity, crafting wines that reflect their unique identity and proving that Lebanon can produce exciting and characterful wines.[34]
By 2020, Lebanon was exporting around 2 million bottles of wine, with Europe, North America, and Asia as its primary markets.[33]
As of 2025, Lebanon's wine market generates around US$65m in revenue from at-home sales and US$116m from out-of-home sales, totaling US$180m while at-home revenue is projected to grow annually by 1.06% (CAGR 2025-2029).[30]
International recognition
[edit]Lebanese wineries have earned numerous awards and accolades from renowned international wine competitions, boosting the global profile of Lebanese wines.[30]
In addition to receiving high scores from critics like Robert Parker and Wine Spectator,[33] Musar achieved international recognition at the Bristol Wine Fair of 1979 [39] and for a long time was the only Lebanese wine widely available in the United Kingdom. Château Musar was ranked among the Top 100 Wineries of 2022 by Wine & Spirits.[40]
In 2018, at the Best Wine of the World Competition (BWW), where 20,467 wines were submitted, Ixsir Grande Réserve Rosé 2018 was awarded the title of the best rosé wine in the world.[41] Ixsir has also been awarded at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the International Wine Challenge.[33]
Wine tourism
[edit]Wine tourism has become an important source of income for Lebanon, supporting local economic development, with wineries like Château Ksara and Château Kefraya drawing visitors from around the globe by offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, and culinary experiences.[33]
Wineries
[edit]
Wineries in Lebanon were once largely confined to monasteries, such as Monastère St. Jean and Couvent St. Sauveur, as alcohol production was prohibited for centuries under Ottoman rule.[42]
Château Ksara, founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests,[43] is Lebanon's oldest commercial winery and largest producer, embracing the demand for local varieties like Merwah and Obeideh and holding a 70% of all the country's production for decades[44] while nearby Domaine des Tourelles, established shortly after, led the renaissance with a focus on indigenous grapes.[34]
Until 1995, there were only five producers, but that number has since risen to around 50.[45][46]
Lebanon's Christian Maronite monks have blended modern marketing with their centuries-old winemaking tradition to introduce the country's first certified organic wine, labeled Adyar—meaning "monasteries" in Arabic—which has recently caught the attention of connoisseurs with bottles emblazoned with a cross.[47]
List of Lebanese wineries
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- Karam, Michael (2005) "The Wines of Lebanon" Saqi Books - reference book on Lebanese wine
- ^ McGovern, Patrick E. 2003. Ancient wine: the search for the origins of viniculture. Princeton University Press
- ^ quoted from McGovern, Patrick E. 2003. op. cit., p. 202
- ^ a b c Anter, Vince (3 February 2025). "A New Lens on Lebanon: Why The Country's Wines Are Worth Your Attention". The Somm Journal. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ Harutyunyan, Mkrtich; Malfeito-Ferreira, Manuel (2 April 2022). "The Rise of Wine among Ancient Civilizations across the Mediterranean Basin". Heritage 2022. 5: 790. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
{{cite journal}}: More than one of|pages=and|page=specified (help) - ^ Elayi, Josette (15 May 2018). The History of Phoenicia. Lockwood Press. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-937040-82-6.
- ^ Metcalfe, Tom (26 December 2018). "2600-year-old wine 'factory' unearthed in Lebanon". National Geographic. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "Mourvedre". Integrated Viticulture Online Database. University of California-Davis. Archived from the original on 14 June 2010. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
- ^ Metcalfe, Tom (14 September 2020). "2,600-year-old wine 'factory' unearthed in Lebanon2,600-year-old wine 'factory' unearthed in Lebanon". National Geographic. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ^ MIT technology helps map ancient Phoenician shipwrecks MIT press release
- ^ Sonkin, Loren (1 June 2009). "Wine from Lebanon: History, Varietals, and Producers". Into Wine. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
- ^ Baalbec - Ruins of the Temple of Bacchus Liverpool Museums
- ^ Roberts prints of Baalbek Medina Arts
- ^ The origins of wine and wine making
- ^ Genesis 14:18–20
- ^ Hosea 14:4–8
- ^ a b c d e f "Improving on tradition: Lebanon". Decanter. 1 January 2002. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
- ^ Philpott, Don (20 October 2016). The World of Wine and Food: A Guide to Varieties, Tastes,. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 170. ISBN 978-1-4422-6804-3.
- ^ Robinson, Jancis (17 September 2015). The Oxford Companion to Wine. OUP Oxford. p. 417. ISBN 978-0-19-101607-3.
- ^ a b Doyle, Paul (17 April 2023). Lebanon. Bradt Travel Guides Limited. p. 384.
- ^ Fleming, Alison (16 August 2017). The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Jesuits. Cambridge University Press. p. 876.
- ^ Scruton, Roger (13 March 2006). "Roger Scruton falls for Lebanese wine". New Statesman.
- ^ "Domaine des Tourelles". European Cellars. Europoean Cellars. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ a b c Antoun, Layal Bou (2014). "Wine Industry in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon: Food-Processing Industry as a Basis for Community Dynamics and Local Socio-Economic Development" (PDF). 1st Mediterranean Interdisciplinary Froum on Social Sciences and Humanities, MIFS 2014: 355.
- ^ a b c d e "War & Renaissance Spotlight on Lebanon's winemaking scene". Flock & HIve. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ a b c "Lebanese Wine Regions". Virgin Wines. Virgin Wine Online Ltd. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Chateau Musar in the war years – a vintage report with a difference". Club Enologique. 23 May 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ Archived 15 November 2008 at the Wayback Machine Voice of America, 2 December 2004
- ^ "Lebanese Wine - Prestige Magazine". Prestige Magazine. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
- ^ Adrian Blomfield and Ramsay Short Women rescue Lebanon's wine after fighting threatens to ruin harvest Daily Telegraph, 25 August 2006
- ^ a b c d e f "Wine - Lebanon". Statista. Statista. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ Makris, Christina (30 May 2023). "Ripe histories – winemaking in Lebanon". Apolllo Magazine. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
- ^ Osseiran, Hashem (28 October 2024). "Lebanon's wine region wrestles with war". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 8 March 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Gutiérrez-Ravé Villalón, Pablo (8 July 2024). "Exclusive Lebanese Wine Report". Luxonomy. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Antoszykv, Debbie (15 November 2023). "Lebanon and the Revival of a Historic Underdog". European Cellars. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Obaideh Wine Information". Wine-Searcher.
- ^ Musallam, Raya (20 January 2018). "Global Dynamics of the Wine Industry Winter 2018: Lebanon's Native Grapes: Obaideh and Merwah".
- ^ "Obaideh Wine". Wine Searcher. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Merwah Wine". Wine Searcher. 7 July 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ A Reason interview with Lebanese wine writer Michael Karam Reason.com
- ^ "Announcing the Top 100 Wineries of 2022". Wine and Spirits. 16 August 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
- ^ Friefer, Rana (4 February 2021). "F&BSuppliers Ixsir Grande Réserve Rosé 2018 named the best Rosé wine in the world". Hospitality News ME. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ Farha, Mark (15 August 2019). Lebanon The Rise and Fall of a Secular State Under Siege. Cambridge University Press. p. 79.
- ^ "Chateau Ksara". Archived from the original on 1 April 2004. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
- ^ Speetjens, Peter Lebanese wine looks to make a comeback Communicate October 2005
- ^ Doyle, Paul. "Lebanon's wine industry: what you need to know". Bradt Guides. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
- ^ "All Lebanese Wineries". 209 Lebanese Wine. Archived from the original on 3 July 2019.
- ^ Zablit, Jocelyne (9 February 2010). "No sour grapes for Lebanon's wine-making Maronite monks". The Telegraph. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Chateau Nabise Wines". 209lebanesewine. 209 Lebanese Wine. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
Jean-Pierre BEL, Les paysages viticoles de la Bekaa (Liban), Paris : BoD, 2009, 232 p
Jean-Pierre BEL, Vignes et vins au Liban : 4 000 ans de succès, Paris : BoD, 2014, 416 p
External links
[edit]- lebwine.com Wine of Lebanon
- Map of Lebanese wineries from Chateau Kefraya
- On Lebanese Wines by David Furer
Wines and winemaking | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||