Lebanese Red (Lebanon)

Lebanon is among the oldest sites of wine production in the world.

The Phoenicians exported Vitis Vinifera all over the Mediterranean.

Grapes

Lebanese winemakers blend French grapes:

Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah. Merlot. Cinsaut. Carignan. Grenache.

Typical Flavors


Cherry
Red
Cherry
Cherry
Black
Cherry
Plum
Blackberry
Cranberry
Cranberry

Herbs
Herbs
Spices
Spices
Dried Fruit
Dried
Fruit
Jam
Jam

Oak added Flavors:

Oak
Oak
Chocolate
Chocolate
Tobacco
Tobacco
Leather
Leather

The wines are often complex and dominated by Red and Dark Berries and Cherries.

With added Herbs, Spices, and Jammy notes.

Profile

Lebanese Red wines are medium to full bodied:

BODYMedium - Full
TANNINSMedium - plus
FRUITMedium
ACIDITYMedium - plus
Serving temperature:
17-18°C (63-64°F)

Food Pairing

Mushroom
Mushroom
Hamburger
Hamburger
Ham
Ham
Soup
Casseroles
Pork
Pork
Lamb
Lamb
Veal
Veal
Beef
Beef

The massive taste of a full bodied Libanese pairs best with bold food.

Libanese wines love Roasted Lamb and BBQ.

Pairing Suggestions

Excellent Pairing:
BBQ. Grilled. Roasts.
Smoked Meat. Salami.
Roasted Potatoes and Onions.
Grilled Mushrooms (Portobello).
Grilled Veggetables. Wrap.
Rich Casseroles. Beef Stew.
BBQ. Chicken. Pork. Rabbit. Game.
Roasted Lamb. Lamb Chops. Lamb Shank.
Hamburger. Cheese Burger. Bacon Burger.
Red Meat Dishes. Spareribs. Veal Chops.
Strip Steak. T-Bone. Kobe. Entrecôte.

Cheese:
Aged Cheese.
Manchego. Smocked Cheddar and Gouda. Pecorino.
Blue. Camembert.

Specialities:
Middle Eastern. North African.
Shawarma (Lamb Wrap).
Kebab. Gyro on Pita.

About

The climate of Lebanon might seem too warm for wine production, but the Bekaa Valley, on an inland plateau, with reduced temperatures can produce very exciting red wines.

Chateau Musar is the best known label.
Its bordeaux-like structure, filled out with much Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsaut, was inspired by a visit to Bartons of St-Julien (French wine maker).