I have not had many opportunities to taste wine from Lebanon so I was glad to I receive 3 samples from the IXSIR Winery in Northern Lebanon.
The name IXSIR is derived from ‘iksir’, the Arabic word for ‘elixir.’ The winery is named for the purity of expression and freshness of its wines from the Lebanese mountains. Reviving the ancient history of Lebanese wines in modern times, IXSIR was founded in 2008 and strives to reveal the best terroirs of the region, producing wines that are rich in character, elegant and complex.
The history of Lebanese wine dates back more than five millennia but was forgotten for centuries from the early 1500s to the mid-1800s, during which the country’s wine production and consumption was prohibited by Ottoman rule. Only after Christians living in Lebanon pursued winemaking as a ceremonial practice did wine production and consumption return. In 1857, Jesuit priests founded a small winery in Ksara, Bekaa Valley. Following this wine revival, the French occupation of the country heavily molded Lebanon’s wine industry, influencing its viticulture, winemaking techniques and terminology.
IXSIR’s vineyards are spread across the mountains of Lebanon on clay-calcareous and limestone soil, from Batroun to Jezzine, benefiting from microclimates that are unique to Lebanon. IXSIR’s vineyards culminate at an altitude of 5,900 feet, making them the highest in Lebanon. These are very distinctive terroirs and create a new range of wine expressions. Lebanon is the only Middle East country without a dessert and its topography is favorable for wine production as it consists of mountains, valleys, and coastal areas that are hospitable to many different grape varieties.
Led by Technical Manager Gabriel Rivero, IXSIR’s winemaking philosophy focuses on the diversity of the winery’s vineyards and their various altitudes and combines hand-harvested fruit from different sites in each of its wines. Much like Lebanon, one of the most diverse countries in the Middle East, every bottle of IXSIR wine is a blend of grapes selected from several areas of the region. IXSIR practices sustainable agriculture and implements low-intervention winemaking and a Fair Trade approach. IXSIR wines are vegan.
The Wines of IXSIR
Grand Reserve Rosé 2023 made from 40% Mourvèdre, 30% Cinsaut and 30% Syrah. The soil is clay and limestone with stone layers. This is a light bodied fruity wine with hints of red fruit like red currents, strawberry, gooseberry and with good acidity.$36
Grand Reserve White 2019 made from 60% Viognier, 25% Sauvignon and 15% Chardonnay. The soil is clay and limestone. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 6 months-15% new, 30% used once and 55% used twice. This is a light bodied dry wine with hints of white flowers, peach and citrus fruit with a touch of wood. $34
Grand Reserve Red 2017 made from 50% Syrah, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Arinarona. The soil is clay and limestone. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, 33% new, 33% used once and 33% used twice. This is a well structured wine with with notes of dark fruit like blackberries and blueberries, a touch of eucalyptus and a hint of spice. The wine will age for at least 5 more years. $40
Charles Scicolone on Wine