Wines of Lebanon at Prowein 2014

Hall 2, Stand E12

Lebanese wine producers will once again be exhibiting at Prowein this year, under a generic banner of Wines of Lebanon, organised by the Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL).

Sixteen different producers will be showing wines from all the wine-producing areas of Lebanon: the Bekaa Valley, the historic heartland of wine production in Lebanon, as well as newer wine regions such as Batroun in the north, the Metn and the Chouf in Mount Lebanon and  Jezzine in the South.

Lebanon is one of the oldest regions of wine production - its vine and wine culture stretches back to 7000BC – but the sector today is very much a modern industry with nearly 40 wineries producing around 9 million bottles annually, using over 25 different international and local grape varieties in just over 2,000 hectares. 

Masterclasses at the Fair

A series of masterclasses will run throughout the Fair on the stand allowing visitors to gain a greater understanding of the history of Lebanese wine and the progress the industry has made to date.

The classes will be hosted by German wine presenter Caro Maurer MW, British wine writer Tim Atkin MW, and Lebanese wine writer Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon and Michael Karam’s Lebanese Wines. 

To view the timetable and reserve a space please visit our booking site. 

Zafer Chaoui, President of the UVL said: “We are delighted to be attending Prowein once again, with a bigger and better stand for 2014.  Last year we received a fantastic reception for our wines, so this year we are back with more producers to spread the word about Lebanese wine.”

Michael Karam commented: “Lebanese wines have gone from strength to strength over the last decade.  The country has built on its long history of wine-making, and through experimentation with different terroirs and varieties, producers today are making some exciting and high quality wines that reflect Lebanon’s unique character.”

Participating wineries:

Adyar                                                  www.adyar.org.lb

Batroun Mountains                           www.batrounmountains.com

Chatea Ka                                          www.chateauka.com

Chateau Florentine                           www.chateauflorentine.com

Chateau Kefraya                               www.chateaukefraya.com

Chateau Ksara                                   www.chateauksara.com

Chateau Qanafar                               www.chateauqanafar.com

Chateau St Thomas                           www.closstthomas.com

Coteaux du Liban                              www.coteauxduliban.com

Domaine de Baal                               www.domainedebaal.com

Domaine des Tourelles                     www.domainedestourelles.com

Domaine Wardy                                www.domainewardy.com

Chateau Heritage                               www.chateauheritage.com

IXSIR                                                 www.ixsir.com.lb      

Karam Winery                                   www.karamwinery.com

Oumsiyat                                            www.oumsiyat.com

For further information please contact:

UK: Madeleine Waters | Coco PR | +44 7778 702221 | madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

Germany: Emily Albers | PR International |  +49-40- 450 374 04 | Emily@AlbersPRI.com

Lebanese wine exports hit new high

New figures released by Lebanese Customs show that exports of wine to the UK have grown by 33% year on year (2011-12).  Overall exports of wine have risen consistently since 2009, the UK market has shown the most significant growth.

The export market is now worth over $14m with the UK representing $4.3m.  The figures also show growth in the US ($1.9m) and French ($2.4m) markets, two other important markets for Lebanese wineries.

“The figures demonstrate that in markets where we as wineries invest significant time and money, we are beginning to reap the benefits”, said Faouzi Issa, owner of Domaine des Tourelles on behalf of the Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL), Lebanon’s association of wine producers.

Since 2010 the UVL has funded a generic marketing programme in the UK. The award-winning Wines of Lebanon campaign – a first for the association - has raised awareness of Lebanon as a wine producing country through a series of trade and consumer events, media coverage and an educational website.  In 2012 the campaign won the Generic Campaign of the Year  Award at the International Wine Challenge.

Next month the group will visit Prowein (24-26 March) in Germany with a generic stand showcasing wines from 11 of its members. “Germany is a very important future market for us and we are already seeing a growing level of interest there which we will be building on in the coming months”, said Issa.

-       ends –

Further information:

Madeleine Waters     +44 7778 702221    madeleine@cocopr.co.uk

London Wine Fair 2012 Masterclass Timetable

Tuesday 22 May

10.00 Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international marketA tutored tasting featuring 5 wines with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon


12.00 Introducing Lebanese wine - a tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Michael Karam SOLD OUT

Tim & Michael will talk through 9 wines showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs within this small country and briefly outline Lebanon’s rich winemaking history – from 5000BC to the present day  - showing how centuries of tradition have been harnessed with modern winemaking techniques to create what is arguably Lebanon’s greatest export.

14.00  Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture
A tutored tasting hosted by Michael Karam featuring 5 wines

Wednesday 23 May
  

·         11.00 Introducing Lebanese wine - a tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Michael Karam
S   SOLD OUT

Tim & Michael will talk through 9 wines showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs within this small country and briefly outline Lebanon’s rich winemaking history – from 5000BC to the present day  - showing how centuries of tradition have been harnessed with modern winemaking techniques to create what is arguably Lebanon’s greatest export.

13.00 Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international market

 A tutored tasting featuring 5 wines with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon

        

15.00  Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture

A tutored tasting featuring 5 wines, hosted by Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam  and Christina Pickard who has recently returned from a wine trip to Lebanon.
Christina presented for over two years on the BBC Good Food Channel’s flagship show Market Kitchen alongside chefs like Matt Tebbutt, Richard Corrigan, James Martin, and Simon Rimmer.  Today she hosts tastings and masterclasses, presents for promotional videos, co-hosts the weekly podcast The Crush, and writes for publications including Decanter, Harpers, and Imbibe. 

Thursday 24 May

  

·         11.00 Introducing Lebanese wine - a tutored tasting with Tim Atkin MW and Michael Karam
S   SOLD OUT

Tim & Michael will talk through 9 wines showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs within this small country and briefly outline Lebanon’s rich winemaking history – from 5000BC to the present day  - showing how centuries of tradition have been harnessed with modern winemaking techniques to create what is arguably Lebanon’s greatest export.

13.00 Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international market

A tutored tasting featuring 5 wines with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam, author of Wines of Lebanon

15.00  Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture

A tutored tasting hosted by Lebanese wine expert  Michael Karam featuring 5 wines

Places are limited and will be allocated on a strictly first come first served basis.  Please visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/2178631409 to book your place.

Discover Lebanon Tastings

Discover Lebanon

A series of Tastings

Manchester

21 November 2011, 11.30am & 1.30pm

Malmaison Manchester, 1-3 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 1LZ

Discover Lebanon Masterclass: Tim Atkin MW & Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam will host a Masterclass showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs, with a look at Lebanon’s rich winemaking history - from 5000BC to the present day.

Bristol

22 November 2011, 11.30am & 1.30pm

Hotel du Vin Bristol, The Sugar House, Narrow Lewins Mead, Bristol BS2 2NU

Discover Lebanon Masterclass: Food and wine matching specialist and Guardian wine columnist Fiona Beckett will join Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam for a Masterclass showcasing the different styles, grape varieties and terroirs, with a look at Lebanon’s rich winemaking history - from 5000BC to the present day.

RSVP Essential

Places for masterclasses are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

RSVP:

Madeleine Waters
E: madeleine@cocopr.co.uk (preferred) T: 01225 835544

winesfromlebanon.co.uk 

London

Wednesday 23 November 2011, 12-2pm

at L’atelier des Chefs, 9 Wigmore Street W1U 1PH London

• Discover some of the flavours of Lebanon with food writer & blogger Bethany Kehdy who will be demonstrating some Lebanese recipes 
• Learn more about the history of winemaking in Lebanon from 5000BC to the present day with Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam
• Meet the producers and taste their wines

RSVP:

Madeleine Waters
E: madeleine@cocopr.co.uk (preferred) T: 01225 835544

winesfromlebanon.co.uk 

Guest Post from Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam

Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam has kindly agreed to provide a guest post on Lebanese reds here.  Michael has written two books: Wines of Lebanon and Michael Karam's Guide to Lebanese Wines 2011.  The full article can be read on his blog.

Big Lebanese reds

I was recently asked byExecutive magazine http://www.executive-magazine.com/ to provide a list of my dozen favorite full-bodied Lebanese reds.

For those who missed it, here they are.

Comte de M 2007

This behemoth of a wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. It has a deep cherry hue with aromas of black pepper and thyme on the nose. In the mouth there it has a wonderfully elegant structure and a smooth finish. One of Lebanon’s most famous reds, and deservedly so.  The first Lebanese wine to be championed by US guru critic Robert Parker who was wowed by the ’96.

Château Ksara

Le Souverain 2006

Initially made to celebrate the winery’s 150^th birthday, it has stayed on by popular demand. Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and the little-known Arinarnoa, it has a deep cherry hue with bell pepper and hints of figs on the nose. The Arinarnoa gives wonderful flavors of cassis and cured meats. Texture is silky, while the finish is dry and powerful.  

Château Musar 2003

A celebrated label made from Cinsault, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. All vintages are aged for seven years before release. The 2003 has a deep garnet hue and aromas of oranges and cinnamon with hints of berry fruits. In the mouth, there is a heady combination of peppers and fruits with hints of chocolate.

Château St Thomas

2006

A gentle giant made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. It has an intense dark cherry hue. Nose of strawberries and cinnamon. Texture is soft and warm and the tannins are integrated to give a wonderfully balanced drinking experience. Older vintages age wonderfully.

Domaine des Tourelles

Syrah du Liban 2006

Possessing a deep cherry hue. Nose is peppery with eucalyptus and roast coffee beans. Possessing a robust texture with nicely integrated tannins, there a lot of fruit on the middle palate and the finish is powerful and sustained. Good aging potential but drinking now. Syrah du Liban won many admirers at the recent London International Wine and Spirits Fair.

Domaine Wardy

Private Selection 2004

This elegant and suave wine is made with Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a dark ruby hue and an intensely smoky nose. Balanced in the mouth with a fruity finish. Good aging potential with well-integrated soft and velvety tannins.

Ixsir

Grande Reserve 2008

Ixsir is based in Batroun but has vineyards across Lebanon. Its top red is made with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a deep purple hue and a menthol nose with hints of black pepper. Forest fruits on the mouth herald a sustained finish to bring out the spices.

Karam Winery

St John 2004

South Lebanon’s only producer (and no relation to moi). This gloriously playful red is made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. It has a black cherry hue with a nose of chocolate, peppers and other spices. In the mouth, the tannins have developed well and in no way obscure the abundance of fruits that dance around the mouth. The finish is sustained and memorable.

Note: These wines are not for what people like to call easy drinking. They can be drunk now but most won’t have reached their best for at least seven to ten years after vintage, assuming, they are allowed to age properly. They should also be decanted at least three hours before serving.

This post originally appeared on Michael's blog

Fun at the Fair

Phew it's been a busy week for Lebanese wineries! 

Eight came together for the first ever Wines of Lebanon stand at the London Wine Fair last week and there was a huge amount of interest.  We also had a Masterclass with Tim Atkin and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam which was oversubscribed and had people queueing round the block to join!

But it wasn't all work work work.  On Wednesday evening we boarded a coach at Excel, bound for the other side of town to have a fabulous meal at Stevie Parle's Dock Kitchen, armed with bottles of Lebanese wine to match the menu of Labneh, followed by Salt Marsh Lamb Chops and Freekeh. Described by Decanter.com as 'raucous', it was a great fun night in true Lebanese style.

Vines on the Frontline

Today's Radio 4 Programme by Jeremy Bowen, called Vines on the Frontline, gave a fascinating insight into the world of winemaking in Lebanon, a country that is often better known for conflict. 

Avaialble on the BBC iPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00x97hw for 7 days from today.

The programme information from the BBC website says:
" The message from a glass of Lebanese wine should be tolerance and openness between civilizations. It's more than fermented grape juice." Ramzi Ghosn, Massaya Wines.

For Radio 4, the BBC's Middle East Editor, Jeremy Bowen, takes time out from reporting conflicts to give vinophiles a new perspective on an ancient story. Lebanon is not a place you naturally associate with winemaking.

It is a Middle Eastern country nestled between Arab neighbours whose religion forbids them to drink alcohol. It is also a country that has been scarred by war, from the 15-year civil war from 1975-1990, to the recent Israeli-Lebanon conflict in 2006.

But Lebanon is also an ancient civilisation, a country of merchants and traders - its history dating back to Noah, the first winemaker in the Bible. Fittingly the Temple of Bacchus, an impressive tribute to the God of wine, is situated amongst the ruins of Balbek, in the Bekaa Valley, a region these days better known for Hezbollah than hedonism. But the temple, like Lebanese wine, has survived centuries of war and the winemakers of the Bekka are optimistic wine will outlive war.

Sharing stories with the wine makers who, in defiance and dedication to their craft, continue to grow their vines so close to the frontline, Jeremy delves into the cultural and ethnic mosaic of this unstable but extraordinary country.

Lebanese wine makes the headlines

We were so excited to see such great press about Lebanese wines in the weekend papers.  Victoria Moore in the Daily Telegraph called Lebanese wines "Edgy, Exciting and Drinkable" - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/wine/8243878/Lebanese-wine-Edgy-exhilarating-and-drinkable.html

And Fiona Beckett wrote about her discovery that there was more to Lebanese wine than her 'first love' Chateau Musar in The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/08/lebanese-wine-review-fiona-beckett?INTCMP=SRCH

Wines of Lebanon was definitely a hot topic on Twitter over the weekend as people retweeted these articles and chatted about their experiences of Lebanon.

Finally, Jeremy Bowen's excellent radio programme Vines on the Frontline will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Wednesday 12th January at 11.00am. 

So, all in all, very positive as Lebanese wines finally get the recognition they deserve!