Lebanon is currently producing a remarkable array of wines, showcasing both established favorites and emerging talents. Among these, Château Ksara stands out as the country’s oldest and largest winery, with a rich history dating back to 1857 when it was founded by Jesuit priests. They ran the winery until 1973, during which time it began making 1.5 million bottles annually. An interesting feature of the winery is its discovery in 1898 of Roman tunnels, which provided excellent conditions for aging wines.
Located in the Bekaa Valley, where vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 1200 to 1800 meters, Château Ksara’s wines have received appreciation for their quality and uniqueness. Here’s an overview of some of their standout wines:
The Wines
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Château Ksara Merweh 2025 Lebanon
A product of a century-old vineyard, this wine is bright and linear, with vibrant lemon and mineral notes. It has been rated 92/100. -
Château Ksara Blanc de Blancs 2025 Lebanon
Composed of 55% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Chardonnay aged in oak, this wine is fresh with purity complemented by oak’s added volume, earning a rating of 90/100. -
Château Ksara Blanc de L’Observatoire 2025 Lebanon
This blend of Obadieh, Muscat, and Clairette presents lovely, aromatically fresh characteristics, rated 91/100. -
Ksara Sunset Rosé 2023 Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
A blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Syrah, this deep-colored rosé is known for its bright, tart fruitiness, rated 90/100. -
Château Ksara Le Prieuré 2022 Lebanon
Combining Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, this wine is noted for its fresh and ripe profile, with a rating of 92/100. -
Château Ksara Reserve du Couvent 2023 Lebanon
Based on Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, this wine is juicy with fresh cherries, receiving a rating of 93/100. -
Château Ksara Old Vine Carignan 2023 Lebanon
Produced from bush vines planted in 1961, this wine is bright and vivid, rated 93/100. -
Château Ksara Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Speciale 2021 Lebanon
A single vineyard wine with a classic structure has been rated 93/100. -
Château Ksara ‘Chateau’ 2020 Lebanon
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged for 14 months in oak, rated 93/100, known for its rich fruit and balanced tannins. -
Château Ksara Cuvée de Troisième Millénaire 2022 Lebanon
Dense and complex, with vivid fruit flavors and firm tannins, this wine received a rating of 94/100. -
Château Ksara Le Souverain 2020 Lebanon
This remarkable blend showcases the richness of its components and has earned a rating of 93/100. -
Château Ksara Moscatel NV Lebanon
With a sweetness balanced by bright freshness, this stunning dessert wine received a rating of 90/100.
These highlights demonstrate the diversity and quality of wines being produced at Château Ksara, a pivotal player in Lebanon’s wine renaissance. For more information, you can visit their official website.