“Hands up” if you can name any wine from Lebanon other than Musar? No? Thought not!
I suppose this country, tucked in between Israel and Syria, on the far eastern edge of the Mediterranean will not be anybody’s holiday destination any time soon, but I cannot begin to tell you how enthusiastic I am about their wines.
Although Lebanon is one of the oldest wine producing nations in the world, they have only shown their wines on the world stage for the past 20 years or so, and thus remain largely undiscovered.
The site of the most incredible Phoenician ruins and snow capped mountains that rise majestically from the sea, it is here you will find hidden lush green valleys that are the perfect home for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Carignan which the locals believe perform better than in France. CN
Domaine des Tourelles 2005, Bekaa Valley | £12.50
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The nose gives hints of morello cherries and spice. In the mouth, berry fruits are under-pinned by silky tannins.
Cuvée Lamartine, Clos de Cana 2002, Lamartine Valley | £13.99
Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Merlot. The very essence of the environment is condensed in its taste: thyme, rosemary, and the scent of the resin of surrounding pine trees.
Château de Cana, Clos de Cana 2001, Lamartine Valley | £17.99
The Château de Cana 2001 is an absolute knockout. Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, awash with liquorice, berries, thyme and even a hint of sumac.
Château Musar 2001, Gazir | £19.99
Hochar’s cult wine needs little introduction. The nose is aromatic, fragrant, warm and mellow and it prepares the palate for fruits of cherries, strawberries and redcurrants.
Marquis des Beys, Grande Cuvée 2005, Bekaa Valley | £19.99
I’m often asked what a £50-£100 bottle of wine tastes like? Well taste the stunning Marquis de Beys at £19.99 and you come mighty close! It’s that good!
