Massaya - Le Colombier 2019
Massaya is located in the north-east of the Bekaa Valley, in Lebanon. The Ghosn family had owned the land prior to 1975, but after the outbreak of Lebanon's long civil war, the vineyards had been damaged and production halted, and the family had fled to the United-States. The winery, cellars and vineyards were rebuilt and repaired with help and inspiration from France; specifically, from winemakers Dominique Hébrard and Hubert de Boüard of Bordeaux, and Daniel Brunier of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in the Rhône Valley. Together, the Hébrard and Brunier families own 30% of Massaya with the remaining share retained by the Ghosn family. Massaya has two wineries: the main site in Tanaïl produces red wines and Arak while a higher-altitude site in Ouyoun el Simane is given over to white wine and rosé production.
Le Colombier is a blend of Grenache Noir (35%), Cinsault (35%) and Tempranillo (30%). The grapes are hand-picked and sorted on tables outside the vat room. The grapes are then fully destemmed and undergo traditional fermentation for 20 to 30 days in stainless steel vats. The wine is aged in vats for 12 months.
Grape varieties: 35% Grenache Noir, 35% Cinsault, 30% Tempranillo