Chateau Ksara Rouge 2012
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 kilometers 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. Their annual production is over 2.8 million bottles and they sell their wines in more than 40 countries worldwide. Chateau Ksara is certified ISO 9001 and ISO 2200.00 for its viticulture, production and sales guaranteeing quality and consistency year on year.
Vinification
The grapes are manually harvested, destemmed and the varietals fermented separately at 28-30C. They are left to age for 14-20 days before malolactic fermentation. The free- run and press wine from each variety are kept in separate vats before being put in oak casks for 12 months. The wines are racked-off and tasted before blending, then fined with egg albumine and bottled.
Viticulture
All of Ksara's vineyards are located in the central and western Bekaa Valley at an average altitude of 1,000 meters. Vines are either double guyot or cordon trained. Their grapes can be considered to be grown organically because of the very limited used of sulphur-based pesticides. No irrigation. Harvesting is done by hand. The standard yield of the vineyards is between 40 and 45 hl.
Tasting Note
A fruity nose of raspberries, blackcurrant and vanilla with some tobacco. In the mouth, it has power and length with balanced and mellow tannins that get softer with time, taking on leathery and cedar characters. Complex and rich with good length.
Everyday Serving Suggestion
Chateau Ksara Rouge is best served at 18-20C with game, red meat or fish cooked in red wine. This wine should be allowed to settle and be opened a while before serving.
Country / Region / Appellation
LB / Bekaa Valley / Vin du Liban
Winemaker
James Palge
Additional Resources:]
http://www.chateauksara.com/
