Ixsir
IXSIR Winery, established in 2008, is a Lebanese wine producer located just outside Batroun, north Lebanon. The company is known for its high-altitude vineyards, ranging from 1,300 to 5,900 feet.[1] The name is derived from the Arabic word for "elixir" (Al-Ikseer).[2]
IXSIR produces a range of wines, including blends of local and international grape varieties, and exports to 35 countries and 22 U.S. states.[1] Jean-Marc Quarin[3] awarded it "best grade for a Lebanese wine" at Bordeaux's La Semaine des Primeurs 09.
The winery has also earned three international architectural awards for environmental initiatives.[1]
History[edit]
IXSIR was founded in 2008 by Etienne Debbane, Hady Kahale, Carlos Ghosn and Gabriel Rivero. IXSIR entered the Lebanese market in 2010, and quickly became the fastest growing wine on the Lebanese and on the export markets.[4]
IXSIR was one of only two Lebanese producers present at Bordeaux's famous "La Semaine des Primeurs", an event hosted exclusively for the evaluation and tasting of French and international wines.
The company was present at the Horeca Hospitality exhibition as one of ten producers to compete at the event’s first-ever wine pavilion with blind wine tasting contests. Ixsir was awarded the "Revelation of the Public" for its 2009 Grande Reserve White and the Media and Press award for its 2009 White.
On May 11, 2010, IXSIR joined the Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL)[5] and participated in a wine tasting event held in Paris for international wine experts and professionals.
As of 2020, IXSIR exports its wines to 35 countries and 22 states within the United States. The winery initially focused on restaurants serving Lebanese cuisine but has since expanded its reach through online sales, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]
Vineyards[edit]
The only Middle Eastern country without a desert, Lebanon's topography is favorable for wine production as it consists of mountains, valleys, and coastal areas that are hospitable to many different grape varieties.[6] Ixsir cultivates its wine grapes in several different zones, including Batroun in the North, Jezzine in the South, and the Bekaa Valley in the East.
As of 2020, IXSIR manages 297 acres (120 hectares) of productive vineyards, with an additional 75 acres (30 hectares) set to come online within three years. The winery's vineyards are spread across several regions, including:[1]
- Jezzine: Located at 3,100 feet (950 meters) elevation.[1]
- Ainata: Situated at 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) elevation.[1]
- Halwa: At 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) elevation.[1]
Products[edit]
Ixsir produces a wide spectrum of grape varieties, from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Caladoc, and Viognier, Muscat, Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay and Sémillon.
Available ranges[edit]
- Red, 2008. Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Caladoc and Tempranillo
- Rosé, 2009. Grape varieties: Syrah and Caladoc
- White, 2009, Grape varieties: Muscat, Viognier, Sauvignon and Sémillo
- Red, 2008. 61% Syrah and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, French oak barrels
- White 2009. 60% Viognier, 25% Sauvignon and 15% Chardonnay
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h Mullen, Tom. "Lebanon Is Producing Excellent Mountain Wines". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-06-09.
- ^ Le vin libanais en effervescence
- ^ Jean-Marc Quarin Le guide indépendant de l'amateur de vins de Bordeaux [1]
- ^ FLORENCE FABRICANT. Dine&Wine: Top Chefs and Restaurateurs Are Drawn to Beirut, The New York Times magazine, June 1, 2010
- ^ Vinicole du Liban (UVL), Lebanon's official association of wine producers [2]
- ^ Agence France Presse. Lebanon's wine-makers keeping Bacchus alive, The Daily Star magazine, September 07, 2010
External links[edit]
- Jean-Marc Quarin website
- The Union Vinicole du Liban (UVL)website
- Lebanon news - NOW Lebanon - A toast to Lebanese wine Archived 2010-11-01 at the Wayback Machine