Château Ksara Le Souverain 150th Anniversary 2016

Region and Vineyards

Le Souverain is born in the heart of the Bekaa Valley, a region renowned for its Mediterranean climate and unique high-altitude terroir, providing perfect conditions for growing bold and expressive red grapes. The limestone-rich soils offer excellent drainage, promoting concentrated flavors and balanced acidity in the fruit.

The 2016 vintage benefited from meticulous vineyard management, with the tannins and anthocyanins closely monitored from véraison. The grapes were manually harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure precision and quality.

Winemaking

Le Souverain is a blend of Marselan and Arinarnoa, two innovative varietals chosen for their structure and aromatic intensity. After manual harvesting, the grapes were destemmed and fermented in thermo-regulated tanks, with daily tastings and remontage (pump-overs) to enhance extraction.

Following fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged in new French oak barrels for 24 months in Château Ksara’s historic Roman cellars. This extended aging process contributed to the wine’s depth, complexity, and refined tannins. The wine was further aged in bottle, allowing it to reach its full potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, dense purple with remarkable intensity.
• Aroma: A complex bouquet of wild dark berries, spice, licorice, fennel, and carob.
• Palate: Full-bodied and elegant, with velvety tannins and flavors of black fruit, subtle oak, and spice leading to a long and balanced finish.

Did you know?

Le Souverain was introduced in 2007 to commemorate Château Ksara’s 150th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for Lebanon’s wine industry. Since then, each decade is celebrated with a commemorative label, reinforcing its symbolic importance.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Venison or wild boar: The bold structure and rich tannins of Le Souverain complement the savory intensity of game meats.
• Beef Wellington: The wine’s complexity pairs beautifully with the layered richness of this classic dish.
• Duck breast with fig reduction: The wine’s fruity and spicy notes enhance the sweetness and depth of the sauce.
• Mature hard cheeses: The structured tannins and earthy aromas make it an excellent match for aged Parmesan or Pecorino.

History of Château Ksara

Established in 1857 by Jesuit priests, Château Ksara began as a mission to revive Lebanon’s winemaking tradition. The priests introduced French winemaking techniques, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and other international grape varieties in the fertile Bekaa Valley. The winery quickly became a cornerstone of the country’s wine industry.

In 1973, the estate transitioned to private ownership under Lebanese families, who continued to modernize operations while preserving Ksara’s heritage. Today, Château Ksara is one of the leading producers in Lebanon, exporting wines to more than 40 countries. The estate’s historic underground Roman caves, discovered in 1898, are a hallmark of its legacy, providing ideal conditions for aging wines naturally.

Region and Vineyards

Château Ksara is located in the heart of the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon’s premier wine-growing region. The valley’s high altitude (900–1,000 meters) ensures cool nights and warm days, a Mediterranean climate perfect for achieving balance between ripeness and acidity in the grapes. Its limestone-rich soils enhance the wines’ structure and minerality.

The estate’s vineyards span over 450 hectares, planted with both indigenous and international grape varieties. Ksara employs sustainable farming practices to protect the terroir and ensure the production of high-quality grapes. Key varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, and Chardonnay, among others.

Wine Range of Château Ksara

Château Ksara offers a diverse portfolio of wines:

• White Wines: Crisp, aromatic whites like Blanc de Blancs and Reserve du Couvent Blanc, highlighting vibrant acidity and elegance.
• Red Wines: Structured and complex reds, including the flagship Château Ksara, Reserve du Couvent Rouge, and Cuvée du Troisième Millénaire, showcasing the estate’s mastery of blending.
• Rosé Wines: Fresh and vibrant, with a focus on balance and fruit purity, such as the Sunset Rosé.
• Fortified and Sweet Wines: Including the iconic Vin d’Or, which balances sweetness with a fresh finish.

Did you know?

The Roman caves beneath Château Ksara, discovered by accident in 1898, are over 2 kilometers long and naturally maintain the perfect temperature and humidity for aging wines. These caves have become a significant historical and touristic site in Lebanon.