Regional profile: Lebanon

See Decanter's regional profle on the Lebanon as published in the January 2013 issue of the magazine.

Lebanon at a glance

International grapes: Mediterranean varieties such as Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, Viognier and Muscat are widely planted. Bordeaux styles are fashionable, resulting in an influx of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

Native grapes: A few wineries (especially Château Musar) grow Obaideh and Merwah, although these are more often used for aniseflavoured arak

Wine regions: Most production is in the Bekaa Valley. The vineyards sit at an altitude of 1,0001,200m, similar to Argentina’s Mendoza

Climate: Summers are hot but evenings are cool thanks to the altitude. Winters can be snowy but never cold enough for serious vine damage

Soil: The Bekaa Valley’s soil is limestone under loam or clay, and can be quite rocky and gravelly

Production methods: All vineyard work is done by hand. Wineries (and wines) range from the very traditional to very modern; many are a mixture of both

Written by Christina Pickard

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