Lebanon

This was a classical wine-growing region in ancient times, and is considered to be one of the cradles of wine culture (see also under Mesopotamia). Part of it is the biblical Israelite region of Canaan. The northern part was part of Phoenicia, which also included coastal areas in what is now Syria. Numerous Phoenician city states were established both in the core region on the Mediterranean coast as well as in outlying areas. The most important of these located within the boundaries of what is now Lebanon were Berytos (Beirut), Byblos (Djebeil), Sidon (Sayda) and Tyros (Sur). The Phoenicians who ruled here were also at times strongly influenced by both Egyptians and Assyrians, and ruled from the 3rd millennium BC up to the conquest of the area by Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) in 330 BC. Excavations at Byblos indicate that wine was cultivated here some 5.000 years ago. In Baalbek (Greek: Heliopolis), the current centre of wine-growing of Lebanon in the Bekaa valley, are the remains of a temple built for Bacchus, the god of wine, in the 2nd century AD, and excavated in the 20th century. There was constant change in historical times, with Christian rule alternating with Islamic rule. However, there were some sections in which viticulture was always maintained, and the sweet wines of Tyros and Sidon were very popular in medieval times. The region was ruled from Venice for a long time during the 13th century, and wine was shipped from here to many countries in Europe. The Osman conquest in the early 16th century was followed by a prohibition on wine, and viticulture came to a total halt. It was only revived again by French colonialists, who ran the country under mandate from 1920 to 1946. The demand for wine in Lebanon was very high until the late 1970’s, particularly among the Western-orientated Christian population, which makes up around 50% of the total.

However, consumption was almost instantly decimated by the civil war from 1975 onwards, and most of the vineyards were destroyed. Only the cult estate Château Musar remained in existence, it only missed out on harvesting grapes in 1976 and 1984. Viticulture was revived after the end of the war. A great deal of money was invested in modernising the industry in the 1990’s, and by now the two main competitors of Château Musar, Château Kefraya and Château Ksara, are considered to be virtually on a par with the leader. In the 2001 vintage, some 6 million bottles of wine were produced from a total vineyard area of 27.000 hectares. In addition, large quantities of a brandy called arrak are produced, as well as raisins and table grapes. The most important grape varieties for the production of wine are those introduced by the French: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cinsaut, Clairette, Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Ugni Blanc and Viognier. In addition, there are numerous local varieties such as Merwah and Obaideh. The largest part of the vineyards is located on the Ksara plateau in the Bekaa valley, at an altitude of around 1.000 metres above sea level. Most of the bines are trained as bush vines. The climate is ideal for viticulture, with up to 300 sunny days each year, cool nights and adequate rainfall Among the most important producers are Château Fakra, Château Kefraya, Château Ksara (founded in 1857, the oldest estate), Château Musar, Clos St. Thomas, Domaine Wardy, Héritage, Kouroum, Massaya and Nakad.