Wines of lebanon book

During the middle age, lebanon was famous in all europa for its sought after wines. The hochar familys 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 naturally. It is partially aged in oak vats for over 6 months. This is not a pedantic book for wine experts who are looking for detailed and technical exposes on lebanese wines. Buy the wines of lebanon by karam, michael, schiller, norbert isbn. For profiles of all of these estates please see regional report. The 2nd book from wink lorch follows on from her successful jura wine and moves the focus to the wines of frances alpine regions. Welcome to the wines of lebanon website brought to you by members of the union vinicole du liban uvl who have come together to fund a campaign to promote lebanese wines in the uk. The vineyards inside bekaa valley are on a plateau at meters of altitude. He is notably the author of wines of lebanon, arak and mezze. Highest grade given to a lebanese wine from robert parker view technical sheet. Thousand years before christ, phoenicians were making wines in lebanon to export towards the great mediterranean civilizations like egypt. Kimchi relates from asaph, a physician, that the wines of lebanon, hermon, and carmel, and of the mountains of israel and. Jesus changed water into wine there at the wedding of cana.

To know chateau musar as it truly should be known, takes an understanding of these and many other aspects of our lives in lebanon that we talk about for the first time in a new book chateau musar, the story of a wine icon published by the academie du vin library. Oct 12, 2018 lebanon is a mediterranean country that has had a tumultuous history that stretches back thousands of years. Nov 07, 2017 lebanons most famous producer and the one best known in the states is chateau musar. Wings of lebanon is a privately held lebanese airline which holds a lebanese air operator certificate aoc. Lebanon is also the setting for famous wine stories from the bible. Wink lorch is raising funds for wines of the french alps.

Michael ramzi karam born 1 may 1965 in london, england is an englishborn, lebanese author, journalist, wine writer and communication consultant. Vines grew readily in the land of canaan, the coastal strip of todays lebanon, and the wines of byblos gubla, gebal, jubail, jbeil were exported to egypt during the old kingdom 2686 bc24 bc. Currently making an impact on the international market, lebanese wines are the products of a rich tradition dating back 5,000 years. And though 47th in the worlds wine production, lebanon is far higher in quality. No winemaker has fought harder for his wines than serge hochar.

Michael karam, who in full disclosure contributes to the lebanon wine section in my annual pocket wine book, has succeeded in recruiting an intriguing bunch of. At lebanon was a city called by the greeks ampeloessa, from the excellency of its wine, as grotius from pliny f6 observes. Here you can find all about lebanese wines in hk as well as event, dinners and new releases. The wines of lebanon come from vineyards that are planted mostly with french grape varieties, with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cinsaut, carignan and grenache amongst the most popular for reds, and chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, ugni blanc, semillon and colombard for whites. Despite ottoman domination, regional turmoil, civil conflict and religious intolerance, lebanon has consistently produced worldclass wines. The contemporary historians make lebanon the birth place of wine with traces dating as far back as 7000 years b. The lebanon wine making tradition dates back 5,000 years when the phoenicians, the ancient dwellers of lebanon, were tending vineyards, making wine and trading with other major cities long before the greeks and romans. At the height of the air raids, when the palestinians found out that every single prcs hospital and clinic was a bomb target, they put three israeli soldiers captured in south lebanon on the upper floors of gaza hospital, and radioed a message to the israeli army saying that any further military action on gaza hospital would result in israeli. It will probably continue to set the benchmark for the area with a very unique signature for its wines. Chateau musar celebrates 90th anniversary with a new book. I owe it all to tom stevenson who convinced me to have a go at compiling that first chapter for the wine report. And it was here that later jesus changed water into wine, peforming his first miracle at the wedding of cana. Ive visited the lebanon three times in the last quarter century. The grounds were attractiveshady and pleasant with lots of small tables with umbrellasand the people were nice, though our server did not seem particularly.

Michael karam and norbert schiller take us on a journey from the bekaa valley to the little vineyards of mount lebanon. The regions modern wines, wineries and local heroes are profiled, complemented by a survey of bottle, label and equipment design. Bekaa valley, lebanon the standard bearer for the burgeoning wine industry of this ancient wine region. The first occasion, in 1993, followed the end of the 19751990 civil war, when beirut was still in ruins and the old mercedes cars picked their way gingerly around the rubble.

His tomb is believed to be located around zahle, in eastern lebanon. Popular lebanon books meet your next favorite book. Nestled in the bekaa valley, chateau ksara is one of lebanons oldest and largest wine producers. No other book introduces the ancient mecca of winemaking, lebanon, like this book. Grenache, cinsault, carignan, syrah cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, viognier the southern french grapes of grenache, cinsault, carignan, and syrah have traditionally been the most important for lebanese wine production. I then left journalism for corporate pr till 2012 when i more or less devoted my time to promoting lebanon and its wines. Welcome to the facebook page of lebanon wines in hong kong. Founded by jesuit monks in 1857, the winery has a series of caves where wines are aged. Vines grew readily in the land of canaan, the coastal strip of todays lebanon, and the wines of byblos were exported to egypt during the old kingdom 2686 bc24 bc. Aug 01, 2005 the wines of lebanon explores the history and culture of winemaking, as well as its exceptional flavors and varieties.

What today is known geographically as lebanon, was the original home of the phoenicians approximately 1550 to 300 bc, who were seafaring merchants and the first to trade wine as a commodity. Lebanon was, of course, part of the biblical land of canaan. Michael ramzi karam is a lebanese author, journalist, wine writer and communication. Lebanons burgeoning wine industry is under a much deserved spotlight with the second edition of michael karams lebanese wines. Through the ancient port city of byblos, the wine was traded with greece, spain, italy rome, and carthage in northern africa, and fared well in these exchanges for gold and other precious goods. Winery opening hours open from tuesday to sunday closed on mondays winter 10am till 4pm summer 10am till 6pm. Lebanon has a long history of wine making click here to find out more about what makes it such a great wine. The only wines of which we have special notice belonged to syria these were the wine of helbon ezekiel 27. Chateau musar was the first producer in lebanon to achieve organic certification for its vineyards in 2006. This book takes us on a journey from the bekaa valley to the little vineyards of mount lebanon. When one thinks of wine producing regions, seldom is lebanon at the top of the list. Born in london in 1965, he was raised and educated in england. The book then won a gourmand award, so, as you can see, it all happened rather quickly.

Currently creating a stir on the international market, lebanese wine is the product of a rich heritage dating back 5,000 years. You can buy your own copy of chateau musar, the story of a wine icon by clicking here. Oct 02, 2017 lebanon is a middle eastern country with an ancient wine culture that has experienced a renaissance in the past few decades. Many people ask why chateau musars winery is more than a two and a half hour drive from the vineyards in the bekaa valley. Join librairie antoine, beirut souks branch, for a book signing michel karam of his new edition of lebanese wines. It is a longoverdue tribute to one of the worlds oldest winemaking regions. Since then, chateau kefraya has established itself as a key winemaker in lebanon and abroad, becoming available nationwide in lebanon and exported to 35 countries worldwide. Wines of lebanon explores the culture of winemaking and tells the gripping. A pleasure to read and to enjoy the professional photographs. This book is for people like myself, who are interested in stories. Wines of lebanon tasted these notes accompany a indepth feature on lebanon.

Lebanon has an ancient wine culture currently enjoying a minor renaissance. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that. Through the ancient port city of byblos, the wine was traded with greece, spain, italy rome, and carthage in northern africa, and. Aug 28, 2010 frankly, the winemakers of lebanon have quite a story to tell. I would like to think the book gives a comprehensive narrative of the wine industry from the start of the modern era, which most people accept as the 1850s and the beginnings of what would become chateau ksara, to the present day, and tells a story of lebanon that is more than just one of conflict and instability. Tasting lebanese wines andrew jefford on the countrys. Lebanese winemakers have favoured french grapes, particularly cabernet sauvignon, merlot and rhone varietals such as cinsaut, carignan and grenache. A section on the established winemakers in lebanon, such as ksara and kefraya.

Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Lebanon elaborated with the same philosophy as the chateau musar and derived from old vines with low yield, the hochar pere et fils is a mix of cabernet sauvignon and of carignan with a dominance of cinsault and a hint of grenache. Lebanon can well be considered one of the cradles of wine production, dating as far back as 5000 years with the ancient phoenicians. Lebanons wine heritage dates back thousands of years. Michael ramzi karam born 1 may 1965 in london, england is a lebanese author, journalist, wine writer and communication consultant. Although 70% of chateau kefrayas wines are red, the estate has been producing white, rose, sweet wines and arak for many years now. Reservation form when you visit us, we aim to fill your day with endless moments from entertaining learning activities to great food and wine. Lebanon wines, lebanon, lebanon wines decanter experts give their verdict, tasting notes and drinking windows on the best lebanon wines. Vitis vinifera may have been domesticated in lebanon, although it probably arrived from the south caucasus via mesopotamia or the black sea trade routes. Apr 14, 2020 for the last decades, chateau musar has been a trailblazer for wines from the middle east and from lebanon in particular.

It is the center for the development of lebanese modern wine and produces roughly 90% of the countrys wine. L is the company behind ixsir whose vision is to reveal the best terroirs of lebanon, some forgotten long since. Le commerce du levant published since 1929, le commerce du levant is the only french economic monthly in lebanon and the middle east. I was looking for a book on this specific subject and i was elated to find such a beautiful book. We provide our customers the most efficient capacity management solution with trained and motivated staff and have successfully done so for various. Chateau musar has been classified as organic since 2006. Arak and mezze celebrates two of the levants cherished traditions. The wine making headquarters of chateau ksara, in bekaa, lebanon. When gaston hochar began making wine in 1930, the boundaries of lebanon had not been set, and he wanted to ensure that his premises would be inside the newly demarcated country. The history of wine in the country begins with the domestication of vines by the phoenicians around 5,000 years ago, the civilisation who created the basis of our alphabet spread wine culture across the mediterranean and formed the. James hipwell tours the bekaa valley in search of a glass.

Ixsirs vineyards culminate at an altitude of 1,800m, making them the highest in the northern hemisphere. After learning about the history of the vineyards from a video, visitors get a chance to explore the caves before heading to the tasting room to try the vintages. We run the campaign to promote wines from lebanon in the uk market. Whether you have already traveled to beirut or are still waiting to see where your own story takes you, here are five books that bring the city to life five different perspectives that will make you fall in love with beirut again and again.

Frankly, the winemakers of lebanon have quite a story to tell. Featuring over 200 labels from nearly 40 wineries, including many previous vintages from the premium wines, the guide also encourages us to go out there and try wines from lesserknown lebanese producers. The countrys vineyards are concentrated mostly in the bekaa valley, home to such respected wineries as chateau musar, chateau ksara and. Above all, the book highlights the energy of lebanon s wine industry and reflects the increasing quality of the wines themselves. The taste of lebanon is about lebanons national drink and what best to eat with it, was shortlisted for the. Recent wines have failed to impress, but new owners have taken giants steps to remedy this. Find their customers, contact information, and details on 4 shipments. In 2011, roughly six million bottles of lebanese wine were produced from 2000 hectares 5000 acres of vineyards. Learn about the various lebanon wine regions with wine enthusiast magazines easy to use lebanon wine guide. Aug 31, 2005 buy the wines of lebanon by karam, michael, schiller, norbert isbn. Domaine des tourelles is lebanons second oldest producer. Written with the full participation and approval of the hochar family, our latest book is now available to buy through our website. Youll also be able to enjoy some of the finest lebanese wines during th. Lebanese wine a guide to the wines of lebanon voyageurs.

Once the great floods subsided, noah is said to have planted the first vineyard. The passionate city of beirut in lebanon, listed among the top 25 cities in the world, holds narratives of love, art, food, and war. Unique blend of cabernet sauvignon, cinsault and carignan aged in french oak, behaves very much like a bordeaux. The regions modern wines, wineries and local heroes are profiled. Our book brings together the people and events that have shaped our past. Yet, few places in the world have a longer tradition of winemaking. Discover delightful childrens books with prime book box, a subscription that delivers new books. Gabriel sionita f7 assures us, that even to this day the wines of libanus are in good reputation.

Lebanon green winery 2020 all you need to know before you. Despite a turbulent political history, during recent years wine in lebanon has flourished, says christina pickard, with the best producers balancing tradition and modernity with power and delicacy. While the musar red has long commanded the highest price in their portfolio, a tasting of musars white. Jumping to the middle ages 476 to 1453 ad, lebanese wine continued to be of high value for venice merchants, who sold it to the eager european buyers. In southern lebanon, the city of cana is believed to be where jesus turned water into wine. The company operates a boeing 737700 and wet leases other aircrafts to serve its clients based on the type and needs of the operation. Experience wines from one of the highest vineyards in the world at an altitude of1,800 m. The grapes used for chateau musar are grown in the bekaa valley, lebanon, which is nestled between two mountain ranges that run parallel with the mediterranean.

Currently creating a stir on the international market, lebanese wine is t. Jan 25, 20 well organized and illustrated book replete with historical perspectives on known and less wellknown lebanese wines. Vines have been planted and harvested in this lebanese region for over 6000 years. Book signing of lebanese wines at librairie antoine from dec. Michael karam and norbert schillers wines of lebanon saqi books won the prestigious gourmand world cookbook best book on new world wine 2005 award. Bekaa valley is lebanon s main wine growing region and could be wines birthplace. The zawaq team the zawaq lebanese wine guide is the product of a partnership between the frenchlanguage monthly magazine le commerce du levant and tamyras publishing house. At once a wine guide and cultural history, this extensively illustrated book is a valuable reference for wine buffs, travellers and casual readers alike. Jun 25, 2015 lebanon wines, lebanon, lebanon wines decanter experts give their verdict, tasting notes and drinking windows on the best lebanon wines. The wines of lebanon explores the history and culture of winemaking, as well as its exceptional flavors and varieties.

The latitudes of the lebanon on the eastern mediterranean coast may seem too low for highquality wine production, but the bekaa valley on an inland plateau as high as englands tallest mountains eases the temperatures considerably and can yield some very exciting red wines. Located near the lebanon green hence, the name, this was more of a backyard winery than a true commercial winery. Lebanon s wine industry dates back 5,000 years and has survived wars and intolerant religions. Mature cassis and plum fruit is nuanced with sandalwood and spice. Wine has been made in lebanon for at least 5,000 years since the phoenicians domesticated grapes. Nov 21, 2016 andrew jefford tastes lebanons new white wines. Chateau musar is the label best known outside the lebanon and its bordeauxlike structure filled out with much.