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Varietals
The following grapes, most of which have been introduced in the last ten to fifteen years, are all grown to make wine in Lebanon.
Reds
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Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety planted in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley that is also popular among the wine makers of north east Italy. A new grape to Lebanon, it is planted both in the Bekaa and in Bhamdoun. |
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Cabernet Sauvignon has, in the past twenty years, become Lebanon's most widely planted grape (500 hectares - a quarter of the total area under wine grape vine - were planted between 2000 and 2005) and comprises roughly 40% of the country's wine grapes under vine. It is used by all the major Lebanese wineries in blends and can be found as varietal in its own right. |
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Carignan has been used for decades in Lebanon, where, local producers say, it performs better than in France. It gives a beautiful dark hue, good acidity and high alcohol. It is used to structure reds that are destined for ageing as well as rosé wines. |
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Cinsault has been used to make wine for 150 years in Lebanon and today makes up nearly 35% of Lebanon's total wine grapes. |
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Gamay is planted in extremely limited quantities for nouveau wines. |
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Grenache is widely used by Lebanese producers, for whom it can give wines with a high alcoholic content. |
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Merlot is a popular and important grape in the majority of upper and mid-range wines. |
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Mourvèdre is popular with a few Lebanese producers, who value its ability to contribute to well-structured wines. |
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Petit Verdot is used in limited quantities by those wineries who appreciate that it can contribute significantly to a wine's ageing potential because of its high tannin content. |
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Syrah is a favorite with Lebanese producers, who value its longevity as well as its aromas and flavors of prunes, spices and berry fruits. |
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Tempranillo is arguably the most important Spanish grape variety and one that is popular with a few Lebanese producers. |
Whites
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Chardonnay is a relatively new arrival to Lebanon but has thrived in the Bekaa terroir. |
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Gewürztraminer is used in Lebanon in extremely limited quantities Clairette has been a popular grape but is used less these days. |
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Merweh is a white Lebanese cultivar used in wines and arak. |
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Muscat is a white grape planted in limited quantities in Lebanon, where it is blended with other varieties. |
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Obaideh is a white Lebanese cultivar used in wines and arak. |
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Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile, highly acidic, grape used extensively in Lebanese white wines. |
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Semillon is planted in limited quantities in Lebanon. |
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Ugni Blanc was one of the earliest imported white grapes used in Lebanon, where it was used for wines, arak and other eaux de vie. |
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Viognier is recent arrival in Lebanon, where it has been blended successfully with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat to make premium whites. |
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