Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Despite challenging circumstances, the wines of Lebanon have undergone an amazing renaissance in the past 25 years.  Heavily influenced by France, a variety of red, white, and rosé wines from classic international wine grape varietals dominate.  The wine industry, made up of 33 wineries centered in the Western Bekaa Valley, produce 7 million bottles annually, which balance a modern style with traditional influences, crafting wines of delicacy and power.  The wines perfectly compliment the bold cuisine of the region:  full bodied spicy red wines that have depth of flavor and fresh acidity; fresh and elegant white wines that are mostly perfumed in nature, and fragrant rosé wines that are savory, spicy and full.
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Hillside hand harvesting, Courtesy of IXSIR Wines
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Courtesy of IXSIR Wines
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Courtesy of IXSIR Wines
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IXSIR Winery among the vines, Courtesy of IXSIR Wines
Although it seems too hot to produce fine wine, altitude can moderate daytime temperatures. The Bekaa Valley ranges from 1000-3000 meters above sea level, which correlates to 3280 - 9800 feet.   High altitude not only brings cooler temperatures but the diurnal temperature swings of day and night increase the intensity of the wine grapes, color and aromas, while keeping the acidity and freshness in the clusters.  And it’s not just the temperatures that are affected, the intensity of sunlight and the soils that come with mountain slopes add to the overall expression of the wines.
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While Middle Eastern wine is virtually unknown to most wine drinkers, Lebanon has a history of winemaking rooted in antiquity, going back to 7000 BC.  The Phoenicians, or ancient Lebanese, produced and traded wine throughout the Mediterranean, beginning in 3000 BC.  An active tradition of wine continued through 1517 AD, until Islamic rule forbade winemaking, except for religious purposes.  Modern day winemaking began in earnest over 150 years ago, fostered by Jesuit missionaries, but has been interrupted by political turmoil and war in recent decades.  But winemakers are determined to grow their industry in the shadow of terrorism and civil war. ​
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Today, Lebanon’s wines are inspired by France, with wine grape varietals plucked from their terroir, with the classic red varieties of Bordeaux and the Rhône predominant.   When the Jesuit monks revived winemaking in Lebanon, they imported vines and winemaking technical expertise from French-ruled Algeria.  And while it’s difficult to distinguish what is so different about Lebanon’s red wines, except for Cinsault, two indigenous white varietals sets them apart, Obeideh and Merwah, possibly the parents of Europe’s Chardonnay and Semillon.  Overall, the reds are spicy wines, with big fruit, high alcohol, and lots of new oak.  Winemakers are either French or trained in France, but are united in leading the charge of reclaiming Lebanon’s glorious winemaking past.
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Hady Kahale of IXSIR wines
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All of this was on display last November at Lebanese Wine Day Los Angeles, held at the Beverly Hilton.  Twenty-seven wineries introduced wine professionals to a taste of the Middle East, definitely an unique experience.  Here are a few highlights:
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Faouzi Issa of Domaine des Tourelles
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Domaine des Tourelles is Lebanon’s oldest modern winery, in business for over 150 years.  One of the best producers in the Western Bekaa Valley, Tourelles produces seven wines from organically grown grapes, dry farmed and hand harvested, fermented with indigenous yeast in stainless steel or concrete tanks with minimal intervention.  What you experience is a true reflection of the Bekaa Valley landscape.
     Domaine des Tourelles White - exotic and floral on the nose, this blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, Obeideh, and Muscat
     d’Alexandria is juicy and mouth-watering.
     Domaine des Tourelles Rosé - alluring and fresh, a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Tempranillo is savory, spicy and full bodied.
     Domaine des Tourelles Red - ripe dark fruit and vibrant acidity, this blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan
     expresses the best of the Bekaa Valley
     Domaine des Tourelles Vieilles Vignes - 100% Cinsault, fermented in concrete tanks with wild yeasts, yields a supple wine.
     Domaine des Tourelles Marquis des Beys Red - powerful wine blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from the best
     vineyard lots, will benefit from aging.
     Domaine des Tourelles Marquis des Beys White - 100% Chardonnay exhibits a richness and density from time in French oak
     barrels.    
     Domaine des Tourelles Syrah du Liban - 100% Syrah, elegant floral notes and explosive spice on the nose, which carries through
​     to the palate, balanced with a long finish, a great wine.
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Gaston Hochar of Chateau Musar
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The most famous winery, Chateau Musar, was the first to gain international recognition.  Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, it was his son, Serge, who brought the wines to the world stage, modeled after Bordeaux with its own unique spin.  Serge’s sons, Gaston and Marc, have taken over the family business with the passing of Serge four years ago.  For many wine lovers, you either love them or hate them.  Distinctive in their funky, feral character, they are produced traditionally, from certified organic vineyards, and not tweeked to conform to a style.  But they are aged for 6-7 years before release.  To demonstrate their evolution, Gaston Hochar poured white and red wines with significant age.  These natural wines, with no winemaker influence, have become cult wines here in the US.  The Musar Jeune wines are meant to be drunk young, fruity and unoaked.  The Chateau Musar wines are the top wines of the brand.
Chateau Musar White 2007 - blend of Obeideh and Merwah, fascinating in its mature profile, rich and complex, intensely aromatic with tropical fruit notes, and a long savory finish, this is a serious white, to be decanted for a couple of hours and served at room temperature, an excellent food wine 
Chateau Musar Red Gaston Hochar 2009 - dense and richly textured, with a baked dark fruit and spice profile
​Chateau Musar Red Gaston Hochar 1999 - mellow red fruit, vanilla and chocolate notes, smooth, very long finish, an incredible wine
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Another fabulous producer, Coteaux du Liban, is focused on the best wine made from the highest quality grapes grown, the Chateau blends are only made in the best years.
    Blanc du Clos 2015 - Chardonnay and Viognier blend, intense and exotic
    Rouge Passion - entry level red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault, fruity and intriguing
    Chateau 2007 and 2010 - their top wine, blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot, smooth, long finish
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Chateau St. Thomas produces a variety of wines, including the first Pinot Noir grown in Lebanon, the most distinctive is Obeidy
    Obeidy - 100% Obeideh, blend of different altitude fruit, fresh and light
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IXSIR comes from the Arabic word for “elixir”, denoting the purest of all, and their wines reflect this.  Handcrafted wine from high altitude fruit, sustainably grown in the mountains of Lebanon, make up the Altitudes collection of red, white, and rosé with vineyards higher than many in Argentina, in addition to the icon wine EL IXSIR and Grande Reserve whites and reds.
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Chateau Oumsiyat is a fourth generation family winery that combines Old and New World traditions and styles in a collection of
eleven wines.
     Blanc de Blanc - Blend of Ugni Blanc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay very nice
     Chardonnay - fascinating, good balance, high acidity

    
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Byblos red wine blend
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For a very different wine drinking experience, try the exotic wines of Lebanon, especially with Middle Eastern food, many are good values and several are complex and fascinating, the wines listed here are just a few of the many fine wines produced.