Chateau Ksara Reserve du Couvent

Chateau Ksara is Lebanon’s oldest winery. Its traditions can be traced back to 1857 when a group of Jesuit monks acquired the property. The Jesuits applied their knowledge of science and agriculture to plant French vines as well as developing two kilometres of Roman caves that proved ideal for the storage of wine. The Jesuits sold the winery to its current owners in 1973. Ksara is now the most modern winery in the region as well as the largest producer in the country.

Sharp changes in diurnal temperatures were registered during the ripening period, which increased the period between véraison and the harvest to over 120 days. Ksara’s vineyards are located in the central and western Bekaa Valley at an average altitude of 1,000 metres. The Bekaa enjoys dry summers and has the advantage of its own natural water table, courtesy of the melting snow that runs off the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges; therefore no irrigation is needed in the vineyards. The wine was racked and each variety was matured in oak casks.

The wine then aged for 12 months before being blended, fined and bottled. This wine with its dark ruby-red colour is a fusion of finesse and elegance; with notes of beautifully integrated oak and vanilla enveloped in supple, pure and round tannins and a wonderful persistence on the palate.

Syrah 40%, Cabernet Franc 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 30%