Massaya, 'Terrasses de Baalbeck', 2023

'One-Liner'
High-altitude Lebanese red with Rhône soul – dark cherry, wild herbs and liquorice layered over fine tannins and warm, stony spice.

Tasting Note
Medium ruby in the glass, with an expressive nose of baked cherry, blackberry and plum alongside anise, dried herbs and warm spice. The palate builds gradually, with ripe dark fruit supported by fine-grained tannins and a distinctly savoury, mineral character. Grenache brings generosity, while Syrah and Mourvèdre add darker fruit, pepper and structure. Long ageing in large oak vats brings complexity without covering the wine in obvious wood. Full-flavoured yet impressively poised on the finish, with cherry, liquorice, herbs and warm stone lingering behind.

Country: Lebanon
Region: Beqaa Valley
Sub-Region: Hadath Baalbeck
Grape(s): 40% Grenache Noir, 30% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: Sustainable

Awards & Critics' Scores
Wine Spectator – 90/100

The Story
Terrasses de Baalbeck comes from an eight-hectare vineyard high on the foothills of Mount Lebanon, near Hadath Baalbeck and overlooking the ancient temples of Baalbeck. At more than 1,000 metres above sea level, the vines experience intense sunshine but significantly cooler nights, helping the grapes retain freshness despite the region’s warmth. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grow here on chalky clay soils, with vines averaging around twenty years old. The fruit is picked by hand, fully destemmed and fermented for 20–30 days in temperature-controlled oak vats before spending a further 20–22 months in large oak vessels. Bottling takes place without fining or filtration, preserving the wine’s combination of ripe Mediterranean fruit, wild herbs and firm high-altitude structure.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Grilled lamb koftas with lemon and herbs
- Vegetarian: Charred mushroom and black pepper pappardelle
- Vegan: Smoky Lentil and Roasted Pepper Stew with Olive Oil Potatoes