{"title":"Wines of the Bekaa Valley","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhy does Lebanon, this small country on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, have its own wine culture, more than any other country in the region? Why do Lebanese wines have their good place on the world wine map? The answer lies in the Bekaa Valley, where it all began. At least, that's where the modern Lebanese wine industry was born, in 1857, in the vicinity of the city of Zahleh, capital of the Bekaa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, we’re in the middle of the 19th century. Jesuit priests, in the villages of Ksara and Taanayel, are spreading the word. They decide that they want to make a dry red wine, not sweet church wine that they’re making for church services. They go to Algeria, second biggest wine producing country in the world at the time. They bring back Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan vines. They go back to the Bekaa and plant them. That was the founding act of the modern Lebanese wine industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom then on, several events helped kickstart the industry. François-Eugène Brun, a French engineer, comes to the Bekaa in 1868 and founds Domaine des Tourelles, the first wine commercial venture in the country, further west of Zahleh (West Bekaa region). Again, the idea of a dry wine produced in the Bekaa takes root. End of the First World War, the Ottomans are defeated. The ottoman territories in the Near East are divided between the French and the British. What is now Lebanon is handed to the French. They bring in 50,000 soldiers and civil servants to run things. They want wine. The average French soldier was allowed a liter and a half of wine a day at the time, so there was demand. The word spread across the country and this created momentum for the nascent wine culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrance leaves in 1943 and Lebanon gains its independence. But Lebanese winemaking remains intimately linked to that of France. Political ties have led to knowledge ties, and the Lebanese wine industry remains influenced by French know-how and taste, which it takes elsewhere, however, since each wine is shaped by the uniqueness of this terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bekaa climate is typically Mediterranean with dry summers, cool nights, and a consistent level of rainfall. This ensures that the grapes generally ripen during September, allowing them to develop wonderful depth, strong flavors, and high levels of intensity. Vines are planted at altitudes as high as 1000 meters above sea level. The soil is mostly limestone and clay. The Bekaa Valley stretches between Lebanon's 2 mountain chains: Mount-Lebanon to the west and Anti-Lebanon to the east. They play a key role in the terroir: They protect the grapes from intense maritime rains from the west and desert conditions in the east. This provides the vines with optimal exposure, resulting in wines that are unique in texture, taste and flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to the Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan that were originally introduced by the Jesuits, the most popular grapes that are grown there are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (for reds) and Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier (for whites). Wineries have also been promoting for a while indigenous Lebanese varieties, such as Merwah and Obeidy. Traditionally used to produce Arak (the Lebanese distilled anise-flavored spirit), Lebanese winemakers now proudly put forward high-quality single-varietal Merwah or Obeidy wines or even introduce them in blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepeatedly occupied due to its geographical location, the Bekaa has always been a land on the move, deeply charged with history. The local history of wine is intimately linked to it: from the north, in Baalbek, the imposing temple of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, serves for 2,000 years as evidence of the ancient presence of vines, to the south, where in the 1980s, Syrian and Israeli tanks clashed right in the vineyards of West Bekaa, near the village of Sultan Yacoub, ravaging the area. It is from this same Bekaa that we continue to enjoy unique wines today.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"chateau-marsyas-blanc-2016","title":"Château Marsyas White 2016","description":"\u003ch4\u003eDiscover a sun-soaked wine with charming fruit!\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf Lebanon evokes sunshine and spice, you've got to try this surprising blend of full-bodied Chardonnay (60%), complemented by bold and elegant Sauvignon Blanc (40%). All this is only possible in an ideal location. It's in the village of Kefraya in the south of the Bekaa Valley, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, on red clays set on a limestone bedrock, that this alchemy becomes possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Château Marsyas white vintage is produced from young vines, already offering an impressive bouquet of fruit, spices and notes of dried flowers. A beautiful, deep yellow color; a complex nose of citrus fruit and white flowers. Round and full on the palate. A pleasantly fresh finish with a hint of minerality. A complex wine to be drunk with some aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great success that justifies the involvement of Karim and Sandro Saadé, the owners of this Lebanese château, who are also present in Syria with the remarkable Domaine de Bargylus. In this adventure, the two brothers are advised by French winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt, who took part in choosing the plots as well as the grape varieties, before supervising their vinification from the first vintage released in 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Terres Millésimées","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46794033103187,"sku":"1082","price":28.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/MarsyasBlanc.png?v=1691422046"},{"product_id":"chateau-saint-thomas-les-emirs-2016","title":"Château Saint Thomas Les Émirs 2016","description":"\u003ch4\u003eWith an unusual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Syrah (10%) and Grenache (5%), Les Emirs carries us under the warm Lebanese sun.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe deep, dense ruby-red color and aromas of candied cherry, black fruit and cocoa are inspiring. The nose is fine and complex, with vanilla and a touch of spice and liquorice. On the palate, the wine is dry and crisp, with prominent but very fine tannins. Well-balanced and surprisingly persistent. Whether with a royal couscous, a lasagna bolognaise or simply a hamburger, Les Émirs will surprise and delight you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis success owes much to the Toumas, originally a family of distillers well known in Lebanon: in 1888, grandfather Elias Touma founded a distillery producing arak - the local Levantine anisette similar to Greek ouzo - which is now renowned throughout the Middle East. His son, then his grandchildren, broadened their horizons by taking an interest in wine and planting vines on the land they own around the historic distillery. Château Saint-Thomas is located in West Bekaa, where the great Lebanese vineyards are concentrated. Their first vintage dates back to 1998. Since then, they have expanded their range to include a dozen wines, blends as well as single varietals, which are exported mostly to Europe and the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prime Wines \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46551927325011,"sku":"0275","price":21.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/LesEmirs.png?v=1691421917"},{"product_id":"chateau-musar-blanc-2017","title":"Château Musar White 2017","description":"\u003ch4\u003eA white wine of ideal intensity and complexity for lovers of mature wines.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Musar White is made from equal parts of the indigenous Lebanese grape varieties Obeidy (related to Chardonnay) and Merwah (related to Semillon). Traditional farming is practiced here, with low yields and high quality. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 9 months, then marketed 7 years after harvest. Our tastings revealed an elegant Obeidy and a \"wild\" Merwah, a perfect combination of styles and a true reflection of the terroir. Pale lemon color and nose of apples and fresh hay with hints of vanilla and grapefruit. The nose also reveals notes of orange blossom, which continue on the palate with sweet flavors of basil, peach and tarte tatin that will develop over time. This wine would benefit from decanting and, if cellared well, will keep for decades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Château Musar vineyards are located at the southern tip of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. They extend over the villages of Aana and Kefraya on alternating gravel and limestone soils. This diversity of soils and exposures, linked to the valley's relief, produces distinct wines and highly complex blends. Château Musar wines are produced using a non-interventionist approach, and the vineyard was the first in Lebanon to be grown organically in 2006.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1930, at just 20 years of age, Gaston Hochar founded Château Musar, inspired by the 6,000-year-old Lebanese winemaking tradition and his travels to Bordeaux. His \"noble wines\" impressed the senior officers of the French army in the 1920s. Ronald Barton of Bordeaux-based Château Langoa-Barton, stationed in Lebanon during the Second World War, became friends with Gaston Hochar; this relationship further strengthened the ties between Château Musar and Bordeaux that continue to this day. Serge Hochar, his son, began producing wines in the late 1950s. His brother Ronald joined him in the early 1960s. Today, 85% of production is exported. They produce 700,000 bottles a year. Château Musar remains the benchmark for wineries in Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The longevity and finesse of its wines impress wine lovers the world over.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pardela Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46892264980819,"sku":"1702","price":53.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/MusarBlanc.png?v=1691422068"},{"product_id":"chateau-musar-rouge-2017","title":"Château Musar Red 2017","description":"\u003ch4\u003eChâteau Musar Red reveals an ample structure and, above all, a great deal of freshness, depth and natural class.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cinsault (35%) and Carignan (30%), the color is a brilliant ruby, and the nose reveals aromas of red cherries, blackberries and plums, with a hint of tea tree and liquorice. Tannins are smooth and well-integrated. This wine has good acidity, depth of fruit and a long finish. Kept well, it will age admirably for decades but can already deliver the full flavors of its youth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Château Musar vineyards are located at the southern tip of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. They extend over the villages of Aana and Kefraya on alternating gravel and limestone soils. This diversity of soils and exposures, linked to the valley's relief, produces distinct wines and highly complex blends. Château Musar wines are produced using a non-interventionist approach, and the vineyard was the first in Lebanon to be grown organically in 2006.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1930, at just 20 years of age, Gaston Hochar founded Château Musar, inspired by the 6,000-year-old Lebanese winemaking tradition and his travels to Bordeaux. His \"noble wines\" impressed the senior officers of the French army in the 1920s. Ronald Barton of Bordeaux-based Château Langoa-Barton, stationed in Lebanon during the Second World War, became friends with Gaston Hochar; this relationship further strengthened the ties between Château Musar and Bordeaux that continue to this day. Serge Hochar, his son, began producing wines in the late 1950s. His brother Ronald joined him in the early 1960s. Today, 85% of production is exported. They produce 700,000 bottles a year. Château Musar remains the benchmark for wineries in Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The longevity and finesse of its wines impress wine lovers the world over.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pardela Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46892273238355,"sku":"1708","price":58.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/MusarRouge.png?v=1691422079"},{"product_id":"domaine-wardy-obeidi-2017","title":"Domaine Wardy Obeidi 2017","description":"\u003ch4\u003eObeidy, a Lebanese white grape variety, produces elegant wines like this delicate Domaine Wardy.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pleasant wine for lovers of interesting discoveries: its white variety of Lebanese origin, Obeidy, sparks curiosity. Until recently, Obeidy was mainly used in the production of arak, the traditional Middle Eastern spirit made from distilled grapes and anise. In Lebanon, it is extremely widespread, particularly in the Bekaa Valley, where its vines bask at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the slopes of the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA pioneer, Domaine Wardy released the first vintage of this single-varietal cuvée in 2012. For this, they selected old vines (at least 20 years old), from plots in the hills around Zahleh, the main town in the Bekaa. Many Lebanese wineries followed the lead and have been experimenting with it ever since, in blends or single-varietals, with the aim of making it one of the country's great wine signatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStill relatively unknown internationally, it has a subtle nose, with less powerful aromas than those of a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It does, however, reveal beautiful ashy, almost toasted notes, as well as fruit aromas such as mirabelle plum and quince. On the palate, you'll appreciate its acidity and finely integrated oak. Normal: this Obeidy is aged for sixteen months in French barrels. In 2020, its 2016 vintage even won a silver medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, held in San Francisco, USA.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orienco","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46935341760851,"sku":"0400","price":19.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Obeidi.png?v=1691422153"},{"product_id":"domaine-wardy-chateau-les-cedres-rouge-2014","title":"Domaine Wardy Château Les Cèdres 2014","description":"\u003ch4\u003eBoth fleshy and balanced, this Château Les Cèdres 2014 from Domaine Wardy is typical of the great wines of Lebanon.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA powerful wine! This 2014 vintage is just reaching full potential here, with tannins that are still firm but elegant. The balance between density and freshness is highly skillful. On the palate, elegant notes of red berries and black cherries are still very present, while hints of chocolate and spice add to the delicious, long, minty finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis balance has always been the trademark of Domaine Wardy, located in the Zahleh area at the heart of the Bekaa Valley. The estate was founded in 1893 by two local families, the Ghantous and the Abou Raad. Initially, both focused on the production of arak, an anisette made by distilling grapes to which anise is added, and which is somehow similar to Greek ouzo. But the Wardy family, another of the region's prominent families, acquired a stake in the company in the 1970s, and decided to diversify by offering wines as well. The first vintage was produced in 1997. The result: today, Domaine Wardy is probably best known for its wines, of which it produces some 300,000 bottles a year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orienco","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46935344742739,"sku":"2528","price":28.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Wardy.png?v=1691422593"},{"product_id":"chateau-ksara-merwah-2021","title":"Château Ksara Merwah 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eA must-try, this 100% Merwah, a Lebanese white grape variety, will appeal to lovers of both mineral and fruity wines.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 100% Merwah! Few people are familiar with this indigenous white grape variety, rather similar to French Muscadet, now only found in very small quantities in the Douma area of northern Lebanon. The phylloxera outbreak of the 19th century almost wiped it out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted at an altitude between 1,150 and 1,300 meters in iron-rich sandy-clay soil, it nevertheless produces wines with lovely minerality and lots of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith worldwide demand for more distinctive wines, more and more wineries are seeking to reintroduce indigenous grape varieties, which they had abandoned in favor of more international varieties such as Syrah or Chardonnay. This is the case at Château Ksara, the oldest Lebanese winery - it was founded in 1857 as a summer retreat for Jesuit missionaries who had just arrived in Lebanon - which offers it as a single varietal to better appreciate its singularity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat alone makes it worth tasting. Pale yellow in color with green highlights, it stands out for its floral nose, with hints of citrus. Fruity on the palate, it also reveals exotic flavors reminiscent of pineapple. Throughout, this wine retains a fine acidity that gives it balance and length.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chirag","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46935362732371,"sku":"1679","price":14.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Merwah.png?v=1691422136"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-baal-blanc-2021","title":"Domaine de Baal White 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eAn original blend, this half-Chardonnay, half-Sauvignon Blanc white wine scores points for its fine character and the pleasure it brings.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis white, half-Chardonnay, half-Sauvignon Blanc, a rare blend in Western countries, offers both purity and elegance. Floral notes followed by those of white-flesh fruits characterize its nose. The palate is silky with well-balanced acidity. Its final wooden finish, due to cask fermentation, rounds it out very nicely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 4.5-hectare estate that went organic a decade ago, Domaine de Baal - a reference to the eponymous Mesopotamian god of the forces of nature and life - nestles on the heights of the town of Zahleh in the center of the Bekaa, a high-altitude plateau where the majority of the country's wineries are concentrated. Here, the vines are planted at the bottom of a small valley, on the hillside of relatively steep south-east-facing slopes rising to an altitude of 1,200 meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally, the Khoury family, who owned the land, planned to use it to create the first ecological resort in Lebanon, but son Sébastien, the current owner and winemaker, preferred to set up his own vineyard there in 2005. Sébastien has long had a taste for wine, particularly Bordeaux, a region where his family fled during the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) and where he still has deep ties. It was at Château La Couspaude, a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé, that this self-taught winemaker learned the tricks of the trade, which he now applies to his own wines. Baal produces 250,000 bottles a year, two reds and one white, which have won over international tables, notably in France at Hébé in the 5th district of Paris, for example, which offers Mediterranean cuisine in tune with the style of Baal wines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Multi Culti Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46935370596691,"sku":"8438","price":27.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/BaalBlanc.png?v=1742455374"},{"product_id":"chateau-saint-thomas-noor-el-ain-2022","title":"Château Saint Thomas Noor El Ain 2022","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThis rosé, with its strong notes of wild berries, is an ideal companion to grilled meats and salads.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines produced by Château Saint-Thomas, a winery located in West Bekaa, where the great Lebanese vineyards are concentrated, never disappoint. Their latest, a refreshing rosé called Noor el Ain (literally \"Light of the Eyes\"), an affectionate Arabic expression, is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fruity little bombshell, with a fairly light pink color, this gourmet wine has a lovely texture on the palate: flavors of wild berries, particularly strawberries, combine with sensations of white-fleshed fruit. Designed to be a \"delightful summer rosé\", it's easy to drink, without any fuss and is ideal as an aperitif, as well as a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats and salads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis success owes much to the Toumas, originally a family of distillers well known in Lebanon: in 1888, grandfather Elias Touma founded a distillery producing arak - the local Levantine anisette similar to Greek ouzo - which is now renowned throughout the Middle East. His son, then his grandchildren, broadened their horizons by taking an interest in wine and planting vines on the land they own around the historic distillery. Their first vintage dates back to 1998. Since then, they have expanded their range to include a dozen wines, blends as well as single varietals, which are exported mostly to Europe and the United States.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Prime Wines \u0026 Spirits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46986973282643,"sku":"0374","price":23.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/ST-NoorElAin.png?v=1711564071"},{"product_id":"musar-jeune-blanc-2021","title":"Château Musar - Musar Jeune White 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eA burst of flavours with a dry, refreshing finish.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Musar Jeune White is a blend of Viognier (40%), Vermentino (30%), and Chardonnay (30%) that are grown in the fertile and pristine soil of the Bekaa Valley at around 1000 metres above sea level. The Vermentino, native to Sardinia and Corsica and thus well suited to the Eastern Mediterranean climate, adds citrus, mineral and even a marine character. It is moderate in alcohol and combines well with the richer Chardonnay and fragrance of the aromatic Viognier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe unoaked blend results in a wine full of fragrance - pineapple, pear, passion fruit and herbs with an underlying mineral note. The wine has a pale, lemon-gold color. On the palate, you find flavours of pineapple, pear and apricots with some floral and herby notes of basil and thyme with a dry, refreshing finish. There is a rich honeyed mouthfeel but at the same time it is vibrantly fresh with good acidity, which makes it deliciously drinkable lightly chilled. Perfect to drink on its own or with seafood, light salads, and appetizers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Musar was the first producer in Lebanon to achieve organic certification for its vineyards. Remote and unspoilt, the Musar vineyards were 'organic' by default before the term was coined. Most are located in the Bekaa Valley, cradled between two mountain ranges running parallel to Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline. Vines have been cultivated here for at least 6,000 years. The Hochar family's philosophy of respect for the environment means that the 180 hectares of Musar vineyards are managed with minimal human interference and all the wines are made as naturally as possible. All the grapes are hand-harvested between August and October. In the winery, ambient yeasts do the work of fermentation. The bare minimum of sulphur is used and the Château Musar wines are neither fined nor filtered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMusar's youthful 'Jeune' wines are made from the fruit of low-yielding Bekaa Valley vines at around 1000 metres altitude, keeping the grapes temperature moderate at 25°C. Add to that 300 days of sunshine a year and the grapes are ripened to perfection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pardela Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47438391738707,"sku":"0006","price":20.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/MusarJeuneBlanc.png?v=1704971556"},{"product_id":"musar-jeune-rouge-2020","title":"Château Musar - Musar Jeune Red 2020","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThis Musar Jeune red is naturally crafted from low-yielding Cinsault, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted by Musar's head winemaker, Tarek Sakr, in a more accessible style than the 'grand cru' Château Musar. Blended to be enjoyable from bottling to 10 years after. This jeune (young) release was left unoaked to allow the natural fruit characters in Cinsault (50% - the vines being over 40 years old!), Syrah (35%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (15%) grapes to the fore. Find blueberry, plum and blackcurrant on the nose, a medium bodied palate of juicy blackcurrant fruit, with lovely lifted spice and freshness on the finish. An impressive balancing act!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Musar was the first producer in Lebanon to achieve organic certification for its vineyards. Remote and unspoilt, the Musar vineyards were 'organic' by default before the term was coined. Most are located in the Bekaa Valley, cradled between two mountain ranges running parallel to Lebanon's Mediterranean coastline. Vines have been cultivated here for at least 6,000 years. The Hochar family's philosophy of respect for the environment means that the 180 hectares of Musar vineyards are managed with minimal human interference and all the wines are made as naturally as possible. All the grapes are hand-harvested between August and October. In the winery, ambient yeasts do the work of fermentation. The bare minimum of sulphur is used and the Château Musar wines are neither fined nor filtered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMusar's youthful 'Jeune' wines are made from the fruit of low-yielding Bekaa Valley vines at around 1000 meters altitude, keeping the grapes temperature moderate at 25°C. Add to that 300 days of sunshine a year and the grapes are ripened to perfection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pardela Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47438391771475,"sku":"0002","price":20.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/MusarJeuneRouge.png?v=1704971673"},{"product_id":"chateau-kefraya-blanc-2021","title":"Château Kefraya White 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eElegant and complex, Château Kefraya White is a harmonious blend of mineral and fruity notes, with fine oak and a long, creamy, velvety finish.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn from a meticulous selection of Chardonnay and Viognier grapes, it is the white alter ego of Château Kefraya Red. Aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, it offers a balanced structure and subtle tones. A pale yellow color catches the eye. It presents floral aromas of muscat, honey, mango, melon and exotic fruit. On the palate, it reveals a remarkable intensity of white fruit, offering a refreshing, persistent experience. Château Kefraya White can be enjoyed now or benefit from further cellar ageing, evolving elegantly with time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Château Kefraya begins in 1946, when Michel de Bustros launched the construction of the winery on a tell, an artificial hill erected by the Romans centuries earlier to observe troop movements. The first vines were planted in 1951, and it was not until 1979, under difficult conditions in the midst of the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), that Château Kefraya began to produce its own wine, with grapes grown in its own vineyard and vinified in its own cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated in West Bekaa, more than 1,000 meters above the Mediterranean, the vineyard covers almost 300 hectares of terraced slopes at the foot of Mount Barouk. The vines are mostly trellised and planted at 4,000 vines\/hectare on a variety of soils: Clay-limestone, clay-chalk as well as sandy and gravelly. They enjoy an exceptional sun exposure with no irrigation. Yields are limited to a low average of 35 hl\/ha. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier and other grape varieties are grown alongside indigenous varieties such as Obeidy, Merwah and Meksesse (white grapes). Château Kefraya has also revived ancient Lebanese red grape varieties such as Assouad Karech and Asmi Noir, following years of terroir research in collaboration with international institutes. Château Kefraya wines are certified organic and vegan since 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sodimo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47460865179987,"sku":"1215","price":21.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/ChateauKefrayaBlanc.png?v=1704971804"},{"product_id":"chateau-kefraya-rouge-2019","title":"Château Kefraya Red 2019","description":"\u003ch4\u003eCombining power and elegance with silky tannins, Château Kefraya Red offers subtle notes of cherry, spice, leather and vanilla.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22 hectares of hand-harvested vines over 30 years old give birth to this wine of character. The best Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Mourvèdre grapes are aged for 18 to 24 months in oak barrels to produce a structured, elegant wine. The nose reveals notes of leather and cigar box at first, followed by aromas of ripe fruit, spices and blackcurrant. Silky and fine on the palate, the entry is powerful, fresh, with dominant aromas of red and black fruits, with good length and a remarkably delicate finish. Château Kefraya red expresses itself when young, but also when aged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Château Kefraya begins in 1946, when Michel de Bustros launched the construction of the winery on a tell, an artificial hill erected by the Romans centuries earlier to observe troop movements. The first vines were planted in 1951, and it was not until 1979, under difficult conditions in the midst of the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), that Château Kefraya began to produce its own wine, with grapes grown in its own vineyard and vinified in its own cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated in West Bekaa, more than 1,000 meters above the Mediterranean, the vineyard covers almost 300 hectares of terraced slopes at the foot of Mount Barouk. The vines are mostly trellised and planted at 4,000 vines\/hectare on a variety of soils: Clay-limestone, clay-chalk as well as sandy and gravelly. They enjoy an exceptional sun exposure with no irrigation. Yields are limited to a low average of 35 hl\/ha. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier and other grape varieties are grown alongside indigenous varieties such as Obeidy, Merwah and Meksesse (white grapes). Château Kefraya has also revived ancient Lebanese red grape varieties such as Assouad Karech and Asmi Noir, following years of terroir research in collaboration with international institutes. Château Kefraya wines are certified organic and vegan since 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sodimo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49578533978451,"sku":"1196","price":24.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/ChateauKefrayaRouge.png?v=1704971941"},{"product_id":"chateau-kefraya-comtesse-de-m-2021","title":"Château Kefraya Comtesse de M 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eTimeless, rich and delicate, Comtesse de M is subject to strict qualitative requirements on a selected parcel of 3 hectares only.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChardonnay and Viognier are vinified and aged up to 24 months in French oak barrels. The nose is very expressive, with notes of toast, coconut, gingerbread, smoke, flint, apricots, vanilla, intense mineral, exotic notes and pink grapefruit. On the palate, the onset is round, full and fresh. It is also powerful and balanced, revealing fruity and mineral notes, combined with hints of toast, nuts, honey and perfectly integrated oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Château Kefraya begins in 1946, when Michel de Bustros launched the construction of the winery on a tell, an artificial hill erected by the Romans centuries earlier to observe troop movements. The first vines were planted in 1951, and it was not until 1979, under difficult conditions in the midst of the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), that Château Kefraya began to produce its own wine, with grapes grown in its own vineyard and vinified in its own cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated in West Bekaa, more than 1,000 meters above the Mediterranean, the vineyard covers almost 300 hectares of terraced slopes at the foot of Mount Barouk. The vines are mostly trellised and planted at 4,000 vines\/hectare on a variety of soils: Clay-limestone, clay-chalk as well as sandy and gravelly. They enjoy an exceptional sun exposure with no irrigation. Yields are limited to a low average of 35 hl\/ha. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier and other grape varieties are grown alongside indigenous varieties such as Obeidy, Merwah and Meksesse (white grapes). Château Kefraya has also revived ancient Lebanese red grape varieties such as Assouad Karech and Asmi Noir, following years of terroir research in collaboration with international institutes. Château Kefraya wines are certified organic and vegan since 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sodimo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49578571530579,"sku":"1213","price":34.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/ComtessedeM2021.png?v=1729528449"},{"product_id":"chateau-marsyas-rouge-2016","title":"Château Marsyas Red 2016","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThis Marsyas Red 2016 combines strength and softness for a perfectly balanced, long-keeping wine.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Marsyas Red 2016 is a wine with a strong personality! On the nose, the Cabernet Sauvignon, at its peak maturity here, is intense; the Syrah delivers its fruitiest notes, the Cabernet Franc a hint of mellow spice and the Petit Verdot an unmistakable freshness. On the palate, sensations of black fruit, pepper and even liquorice give way to powerful, silky tannins. The whole is particularly alluring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great success that justifies the involvement of Karim and Sandro Saadé, the owners of this Lebanese château, who are also present in Syria with the remarkable Domaine de Bargylus. In this adventure, the two brothers are advised by French winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt, who took part in choosing the plots as well as the grape varieties, before supervising their vinification from the first vintage released in 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Marsyas spreads out over 55 hectares in the heart of the Bekaa (whose name it borrows from ancient Greek), an alluvial plateau at an altitude of 900 meters bordered by the mountains of Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. In these iron-rich soils, where limestone outcrops everywhere, the vines plunge deep into the soil in search of humidity, while benefiting from exceptional sunshine. The result is a wine of mastered strength, which we recommend as an accompaniment to red meats, or dishes such as braised beef cheeks or stews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"clearfix margin-top-5\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"accroche text-bold taille-sm\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"clearfix margin-top-5\" id=\"description_courte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte align_justify\" id=\"description_courte_content\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Terres Millésimées","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49616528081235,"sku":"1440","price":34.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Marsyas_Rouge_2016.png?v=1729183967"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-baal-rouge-2019","title":"Domaine de Baal Red 2019","description":"\u003ch4\u003eA classic red wine, with Bordeaux overtones, to pair with red meats or dishes in sauce.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vintage is still quite young, having aged for almost 18 months in French oak barrels. While its powerful tannins are still firm (the wine needs to be aerated for at least 30 minutes before tasting), this Domaine de Baal Red 2019 possesses wonderful substance with fruity notes, particularly of black cherries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate bursts with cocoa and spice flavors, ending with a pleasant minty finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe would have expected nothing less from Sébastien Khoury, owner of this charming 4.5-hectare vineyard nestled in the hills above the town of Zahleh, at the heart of the Bekaa Valley at an altitude of almost 1,000 meters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Lebanon, this self-taught winemaker, who has always been devoted to organic and even biodynamic viticulture, has made a name for himself with his garage wines, respectful of the terroir from which he aims to draw the best expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLiving between France and Lebanon, he works his vines the old-fashioned way, favoring plowing and manual harvesting, while employing ultra-modern techniques such as green harvesting, where the vines are stripped of some of their still-green grapes in order to reduce yields and improve the taste qualities of the grapes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Multi Culti Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50567564230995,"sku":"8476","price":33.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/BaalRouge.png?v=1742455054"},{"product_id":"domaine-de-baal-le-petit-baal-2021","title":"Domaine de Baal - Le Petit Baal 2021","description":"\u003ch4\u003eA worthy younger brother to Domaine de Baal Rouge, this wine is complex, with a fine balance of fruit, oak and spice.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA blend of organically grown Syrah (70%) and Cinsault (30%), Le Petit Baal is a deep ruby with bold notes of black plum, blackberry compote and liquorice. The palate is powerful and elegant, with well-integrated tannins, lively acidity and a long, persistent aftertaste. Hints of Mediterranean herbs, black pepper and tobacco leaves emerge on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLocated at 1200 meters above sea level on the foothills of Mount Lebanon, Domaine de Baal has been overlooking Lebanon's magnificent Bekaa Valley since it was first planted in 1994. Its clay-limestone soils, organic viticulture from the outset, respect for the life of the soil and the cycles of the vine, and a low-intervention approach in the cellar produce each year precise and elegant wines that reflect this magnificent Mediterranean terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Multi Culti Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50567585333587,"sku":"8506","price":23.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/PetitBaal_75336a51-f374-4570-b40b-3288c5017093.png?v=1742479736"},{"product_id":"fulguro-vin-cinsault-2022","title":"Fulguro Vin Cinsault 2022","description":"\u003ch4\u003eScrew Crusher Punch! Enough to awaken the Duke Fleed in you.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFulguro Vin proposes wines from unusual terroirs, crafted and vinified with a know-how that respects both Man and Planet. Through the Fulguro Vin line-up, Sébastien Khoury, head winemaker, wants to appeal to the child's soul hidden in every adult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFulguro Vin's first cuvée is a 100% organic Cinsault, grown at an altitude of 1600 meters on clay-limestone soil on the foothills of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Fulguro Vin Cinsault 2022 has a dazzling freshness thanks to altitude, terroir and cool nights, which allow wines to retain a nice acidity. It is vinified and bottled at Domaine de Baal, one of Lebanon's most renowned wineries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cuvée is characterized by great smoothness, with soft, elegant tannins. What strikes first are its intense, gourmet aromas of strawberry and red fruit. This light, fruity profile makes it an irresistibly accessible red wine, ideal for those who seek a certain delicacy without sacrificing on pleasure. At the table, it goes wonderfully well with Mediterranean dishes, especially mezzes and other Lebanese specialties.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Multi Culti Wine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50567585366355,"sku":"8452","price":19.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/FulguroCinsaultLiban.png?v=1742454977"},{"product_id":"chateau-kefraya-comte-de-m-2019","title":"Château Kefraya Comte de M 2019","description":"\u003ch4\u003eAged up to 24 months in French oak barrels, this dark purple-colored wine is a complex bouquet of black fruits and cedar wood.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA careful selection of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes - grown on an area limited to 9 hectares at 1100 meters of altitude - is specially dedicated to Comte de M. The nose reveals enchanting notes of vanilla, cooked fruit, cocoa and roasted coffee, harmoniously blended with light oak. On the second nose, the expression becomes even more captivating, with accents of leather, cigar and cold tobacco, adding a further dimension to the wine's aromatic complexity. Remarkably pure, the wine is full-bodied and structured, revealing, on the palate, notes of spice, pepper, cooked fruit and a well-balanced oak presence. The tannins impart a fine structure, ensuring exceptional ageing potential. Aromas are persistent and long-lasting. Robert Parker rated Comte de M 1996 91 points and more recently 93 points on the 2012 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of Château Kefraya begins in 1946, when Michel de Bustros launched the construction of the winery on a tell, an artificial hill erected by the Romans centuries earlier to observe troop movements. The first vines were planted in 1951, and it was not until 1979, under difficult conditions in the midst of the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990), that Château Kefraya began to produce its own wine, with grapes grown in its own vineyard and vinified in its own cellar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSituated in West Bekaa, more than 1,000 meters above the Mediterranean, the vineyard covers almost 300 hectares of terraced slopes at the foot of Mount Barouk. The vines are mostly trellised and planted at 4,000 vines\/hectare on a variety of soils: Clay-limestone, clay-chalk as well as sandy and gravelly. They enjoy an exceptional sun exposure with no irrigation. Yields are limited to a low average of 35 hl\/ha. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Viognier and other grape varieties are grown alongside indigenous varieties such as Obeidy, Merwah and Meksesse (white grapes). Château Kefraya has also revived ancient Lebanese red grape varieties such as Assouad Karech and Asmi Noir, following years of terroir research in collaboration with international institutes. Château Kefraya wines are certified organic and vegan since 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sodimo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51038768759123,"sku":"1193","price":46.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/KefrayaComtedeM.png?v=1705140543"},{"product_id":"chateau-marsyas-rouge-2017","title":"Château Marsyas Red 2017","description":"\u003ch4\u003eThis Marsyas Red 2017 combines strength and softness for a perfectly balanced, long-keeping wine.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Marsyas Red 2017 is a wine with a strong personality! On the nose, the Cabernet Sauvignon, at its peak maturity here, is intense; the Syrah delivers its fruitiest notes, the Cabernet Franc a hint of mellow spice and the Petit Verdot an unmistakable freshness. On the palate, sensations of black fruit, pepper and even liquorice give way to powerful, silky tannins. The whole is particularly alluring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great success that justifies the involvement of Karim and Sandro Saadé, the owners of this Lebanese château, who are also present in Syria with the remarkable Domaine de Bargylus. In this adventure, the two brothers are advised by French winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt, who took part in choosing the plots as well as the grape varieties, before supervising their vinification from the first vintage released in 2007.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChâteau Marsyas spreads out over 55 hectares in the heart of the Bekaa (whose name it borrows from ancient Greek), an alluvial plateau at an altitude of 900 meters bordered by the mountains of Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. In these iron-rich soils, where limestone outcrops everywhere, the vines plunge deep into the soil in search of humidity, while benefiting from exceptional sunshine. The result is a wine of mastered strength, which we recommend as an accompaniment to red meats, or dishes such as braised beef cheeks or stews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"clearfix margin-top-5\"\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"accroche text-bold taille-sm\"\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"clearfix margin-top-5\" id=\"description_courte\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"rte align_justify\" id=\"description_courte_content\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Terres Millésimées","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53385574875475,"sku":"1679B","price":34.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/files\/Marsyas_Rouge.png?v=1775141660"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/4847\/4451\/collections\/Vineyards.jpg?v=1695816474","url":"https:\/\/www.altcellars.lu\/en\/collections\/bekaa-valley.oembed?page=2","provider":"ALTCELLARS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}