Above: Owner and winemaker Mr. Nicholas Abou Khater from Coteaux du Liban wine estate based out of Lebanon.

Coteaux du Liban
Bekka Valley
Lebanon

This is a 30 hectares winery founded in 2000. Today it is owned and managed by winemaker Nicolas Abou Khater (as seen in the above picture). The vineyards are planted with international grape varietals namely; Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardoonay, Cinsault, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, and Viognier. Its vineyards are sited on slopes, which has to be harvested manually with traditional viticulture. Modeled after the French, Liban’s wines are typically aged in French oak for up to 18 months before bottling and release. 95% of their wines are exported overseas, to France, Canada, USA, Dubai and have recent, Cambodia. 20,000 cases are made per annum.

Contact Details:
Libancave Trading & Industry S.A.R.L
Haouch el Omara
Industrial zone, Bassatine Road
Zahle, Bekaa Valley
Lebanon
Tel: +961893 0700
Fax: +961880 7528
E-mail: nicolas_abou_khater@hotmail.com
Website: Click here.

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2007 Blanc du Clos
Bekka Valley, Lebanon

M21042008. 12.5%. A combined blend of Chardonnay, and Viognier from the slopes of Bekka Valley, founded on clay and limestone. Lightly floral with caramel, citrus notes. Medium-bodied, with crisp and sharp acidity, with faint green apple and short finish. Drinking now.

2007 Rose Desir
Bekka Valley, Lebanon

M21042008. 12.5%. A blend of Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Grenache. Simple, light raspberry notes, biting acidity, yet light and fresh. Drinkable now.

2005 Syrah
Bekka Valley, Lebanon

M21042008. 13.0%. 100% Syrah. Black berry. Light to medium-bodied, black currant and spicy tannins, short dry finish.

2005 Passion Rouge
Bekka Valley, Lebanon

M21042008. 13.0%. A rojak blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carignan, and Grenache. Medium-bodied, sweet currant and berry fruit. A daily drinker with balanced acidity and a short to medium finish. Delicious.

2004 Chateau
Bekka Valley, Lebanon

M21042008. 13.0%. A three-tier blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. 2 years in oak before release. Black fruit, currant family. Medium-bodied, with dry wood acidity, fruit, rustic tannins and a medium finish.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Bekka Valley, Lebanon

M21042008. 13.0%. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Mainly black currants. Medium-bodied, simple palate with dry tannins and a short to medium finish.

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Photographs and text by Daniel. Hit us with your best shots; we’ll try our best to listen. Send your inquiries or comments here or via email to jiuwine@gmail.com.