Three Wine Men & some Lebanese Wine

This weekend you will find us at the Three Wine Men event at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.  We will be joining the festive frolics with Oz Clarke, Olly Smith & Tim Atkin MW in London at Lord’s on 8th & 9th December; they want to get everyone in the country tasting, buying and enjoying new wines and discovering different foods.

We've got two pairs of tickets to give away so if you'd like to have a chance of winning, simply follow us @Lebanonwines and retweet the following tweet:

This weekend find us @threewinemen at Lords Cricket Ground http://bit.ly/VpYR51- come and discover Lebanese Wines!

 and we'll pick two winners at random.



The Three Wine Men's top quality events bring together wine, beer and food retailers to show you just how much fun your taste buds can have in a day. You will have a great time, whether you’re an expert, an enthusiast or just enjoy the odd glass.

The event  will set you up for a cracking Christmas - come and find wines which compliment the Christmas pud, match with the mince pies, and go together with the turkey.
At an event, you simply:
• Pick up a glass
• Grab a tasting brochure
• Join in a masterclass if you wish
• Taste / buy as many wines as you like

Competition Terms and Conditions

1. This prize draw is open to over 18 year olds who have a resident UK address except employees of Watershed Communcations Ltd or anyone else connected with the promotion.

2. Only one entry per email address will be entered in the draw.

3. There are 2 prizes for 2 winners of 2 pairs of tickets to the Three Wine Men wine fair on either Saturday 8th December or Sunday 9th December 2012 at Lord's Cricket Ground. 

6. The prizewinners will be selected at random after the prize draw closes onThursday 6th December 2012 at 6pm GMT using random.org.

7. The prizewinners will be the first two emails drawn at random by Wines of Lebanon from valid entries. The results of the prize draw are final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes are non-transferable.

8. The prizewinners will be notified by email by midnight on Thursday 6 December. 

9. If the winner does not reply to the email within 1 day, the prize will go to the next entrant drawn at random from eligible entries.

10. The prizewinners must be prepared to take part in all publicity related to the promotion. The winners names may be published on the Facebook page.

11. Details of the prizewinners can be obtained for a period of 6 weeks following the prize draw by sending a SAE to Wines of Lebanon, Winsford, Bath BA2 8PU

13. By entering the prize draw, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

14. Promoter: Wines of Lebanon, c/o Watershed Communications Ltd Winsford, Bath BA2 8PU

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.

Wines of Lebanon at the London Wine Fair 2012

Wines of Lebanon at the LIWF 2012 – Stand N11

Wines of Lebanon will be returning to the LIWF for the second year with new wineries and an exciting programme of masterclasses being delivered on the stand (N11).

Tim Atkin MW and Lebanese wine expert Michael Karam will be presenting an overview of Lebanon’s winemaking industry, together with a tutored tasting, and other tastings taking place throughout the day include:

• Overcoming the cliché: Positioning Lebanese wine on the international market
• Lebanon: the terroir, grapes and people that make Lebanese wine culture

The generic Lebanese stand at the LIWF has attracted new wineries this year, keen to gain a foothold in the UK market.    Lebanese wines are gaining ground in the UK with exports up by 26% from 2010 to 2011 (source: Lebanese Government Customs Figures).

Nine wineries will be represented at this year’s show:

·      Batroun Mountains

·      Chateau Ka

·      Chataeau Kefraya

·      Chateau Ksara

·      Chateau St Thomas

·      Coteaux de Botrys

·      Domaine des Tourelles

·      IXSIR

·      Karam Winery

We are really excited to be exhibiting at the Fair again this year,” says Madeleine Waters who runs the Wines of Lebanon campaign in the UK. “Last year was about introducing people to the concept of Lebanon as a wine-producing country and we received a lot of interest. Over the last 12 months, we have run tastings and masterclasses throughout the UK to give the trade more insight into Lebanese wines and the people behind them. This year we want to encourage people to take a closer look at Lebanon and the diverse range of wines produces.” 

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

Lebanese wine masterclass

We've uploaded clips from the recent London Wine Fair, where we held a Discover Lebanon Masterclass, on our You Tube Channel which you can see here http://www.youtube.com/user/WinesofLebanon

There is a clip of each of the 8 wines presented by Tim Atkin MW, as well as an overview of the history of wine production by Michael Karam:

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!