Lebanon is a small country with a rich winemaking history that dates back to biblical times. The country's unique terroir, which includes a Mediterranean climate, rocky soil, and high altitude vineyards, allows for the production of a wide range of wine styles. Lebanese wines are known for their complexity, balance, and aging potential.
Winemaking History & Terroir
Winemaking in Lebanon has been practiced for thousands of years, with evidence of wine production dating back to the Phoenician era. The ancient city of Byblos, located in present-day Lebanon, was known for its wine production and trade. The Romans also had a significant impact on Lebanese winemaking, introducing new grape varietals and winemaking techniques.
The country's terroir is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The soil is mostly rocky and chalky, with some areas of clay and limestone. The vineyards are often located at high altitudes, which helps to protect the grapes from the intense heat and allows for a longer growing season. This unique terroir allows for the production of a wide range of wine styles.
Grape Varietals & Wine Styles
Lebanese wines are made from a variety of grape varietals, both red and white. The country has a mix of both international and local grape varietals, as well as some regional varietals that are unique to Lebanon. Some of the most common red grape varietals include Cinsault, Carignan, and Mourvèdre. White grape varietals include Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat.
The country is known for its dry red wines, which are often made from a blend of grape varietals. These wines are known for their complexity, balance, and aging potential. White wines are also produced, and are known for their floral and fruity notes.
Light Bodied White Wine
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with high acidity and a wide range of flavors, from floral and fruity to grassy and herbaceous. In Lebanon, the warm climate and high altitude vineyards allow the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with good acidity and a balance of fruit and floral flavors.
Souvignier Gris, Clairette Blanche, Rolle, Ugni Blanc are also varietals that are grown in Lebanon in small quantities
Full Bodied White Wine
Chardonnay, Viognier, Obeidi
Chardonnay grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with a wide range of flavors, from floral and fruity to buttery and oaky. In Lebanon, the warm climate and high altitude vineyards allow the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with good acidity and a balance of fruit and floral flavors.
Viognier grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with a floral aroma and a rich, full-bodied structure. In Lebanon, the warm climate and high altitude vineyards allow the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with a good balance of acidity and a balance of fruit and floral flavors.
Obeidi is known for its ability to produce wines with high alcohol content and ripe fruit flavors. In Lebanon, the warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with a good balance of acidity and a soft tannin
Medium Bodied Red Wine
Cinsault, Carginan
Cinsault is known for its ability to produce wines with high alcohol content and ripe fruit flavors. In Lebanon, the warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with a good balance of acidity and a soft tannin structure.
Carignan grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with high alcohol content and ripe fruit flavors. In Lebanon, the warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with a good balance of acidity and a soft tannin structure.
Full Bodied Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Cabernet Sauvignon for its ability to produce wines with high tannins and a full-bodied structure. In Lebanon, the hot and sunny climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with dark fruit flavors and a good balance of acidity.
Merlot grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with soft tannins and a smooth texture. In Lebanon, the warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with rich fruit flavors and a good balance of acidity
Syrah grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with high tannins and a full-bodied structure. In Lebanon, the warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with dark fruit flavors and a good balance of acidity.
Mourvèdre grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with high tannins and a full-bodied structure. In Lebanon, the warm climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, resulting in wines with dark fruit flavors and a good balance of acidity.
Dessert Wines
Muscat d'Alexandrie
Muscat d'Alexandrie is known for its floral and fruity notes, it's often used to produce sweet and aromatic wines. Many wineries in Lebanon also choose to produce a late harvest version of the wine, where the grapes are left on the vine longer than usual in order to increase the sugar levels and intensify the flavors.
In addition to its use in sweet wines, Muscat d' Alexandrie is also blended with other white grape varietals to produce dry white wines with good acidity and a balance of fruit and floral flavors.
Major Wine Making Regions
Lebanon has several major wine-making regions, each with its own unique terroir and winemaking traditions. Some of the most important wine-making regions in Lebanon are:
Bekaa Valley
The Bekaa Valley is the largest wine-making region in Lebanon, and is known for its red wines. The valley's high altitude vineyards and Mediterranean climate make it ideal for growing a wide range of grape varietals. The wines produced in the Bekaa Valley are known for their complexity, balance, and aging potential.
Mount Lebanon
The mountainous region of Mount Lebanon is known for its red and white wines. The vineyards are located at high altitudes, which helps to protect the grapes from the intense heat and allows for a longer growing season. The wines produced in Mount Lebanon are known for their floral and fruity notes.
Coastal Region
The coastal region is known for its white wines, which are made from the Muscat grape varietal. The wines produced in this region are known for their floral and fruity notes.
In Conclusion
Lebanon is a small country with a rich winemaking history that dates back to biblical times. The country's unique terroir, which includes a Mediterranean climate, rocky soil, and high altitude vineyards, allows for the production of a wide range of wine styles. Lebanese wines are known for their complexity, balance, and aging potential. The major regions of Lebanon each have their own winemaking traditions and terroir that contribute to the diversity of the wines produced in the country.
