IXSIR, Altitudes Red Wine 2011, Lebanon
(Batroun, Lebanon, Dry Red, Cork, 13.0% abv)
The famous estate of Château Musar has put Lebanon firmly on the map for wine lovers around the globe, their very high quality wines age beautifully for decades and find their way into the racks of serious collectors. But there are several other producers of terrific quality in the country, including the relatively new estate of IXSIR.
This wine is an unusual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Caledoc, which have French origins, and Tempranillo, the great red wine grape of Spain. The influence of IXSIR's French and Spanish winemaking team is obvious. The nose is redolent of creamy black berries, but with some graphite and a nice note of finesse with a cherry-ish, violet touch. In the mouth it is well-balanced and medium-bodied, the ripe fruit weighed against firm, tight tannins and a good acid structure. A wine that will also age for a few years. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.
£14.99 Great WesternWine, Invinity Wines See all stockists on wine-searcher.com
