Merwah and Obaideh, or Obeidi, are two white wine grapes that are native to Lebanon. They are not the only Lebanese native wine grapes by any means. Others include Meksassi and Sobbaghieh which are also starting to get attention too. However, at this time, Merwah and Obaideh are perhaps the better known.
Lebanon has a long and intriguing wine history. A history dating at least as far back as 7th Century BC, and some discoveries indicate a lot earlier than that. Before the French, there were the Romans. And don’t forget about the Phoenicians before that. There is a good reason that you will find a Roman temple to Bacchus in Baalbek. The Bekaa Valley certainly produces some outstanding wine!
Interestingly, both of these grapes feature in the selection for the base must for Arak production. Arak is an anise flavoured spirit. Like Ouzo, Arak also uses grape must.
There is little doubt that we will see much more Lebanese wine on our shelves. There are over 80 wineries in Lebanon at the moment. Chateau Ksara is one of those leading the way to a place in international hearts. With the growth of Lebanese wines, now is the time to get to know some of the native varieties.
To read more about Chateau Ksara, please read Chateau Ksara – Winery Spotlight.
Merwah
The first modern international release of a wine featuring 100% Merwah was from Chateau Ksara in 2017. They really have set the benchmark for the grape. Some people say that Merwah has similarities to Semillon. Although testing has shown otherwise, there certainly have even been rumours that it might have been Semillon or a relative to Semillon.
What is for certain though is this grape is capable of great things. It is far more interesting than its previous role in Arak suggests. Finally, this grape variety is in the limelight now as a solo act and it is quickly gaining admiration. Merwah is not stopping at just still wines though. It also makes an appearance in Petillant Naturel wines from Lebanon as well. I am looking forward to seeing where this grape’s future leads.
For more information about Petillant Naturel wines, please read ‘What are ‘Pet Nat’ wines? Should you be drinking them?‘
What you should expect
Depending where the grape grows, you should expect a range of characters from citrusy and zesty to more plusher tropical characters. Growing the grape in the high altitudes of the Bekaa Valley means the grapes retain their acid. That acid holds the line gently while supporting the fruit intensity.
Lime citrus fruit seems to be one of the prevailing characters regardless of the ripeness. Also expect floral notes, stonefruit and lighter tropical fruit too. And with that careful handling, expect freshness at its core.
Here is a recommendation:
Chateau Ksara Merwah
This is a fuller bodied dry white wine that has plenty of poise. It is ripe, fruity and fresh. The peach, citrus and floral fruit has a light spiciness and a refreshing burst of acid. It finishes with some tropical fruit joining in too. An excellent food wine with concentration and elegance.
Click here to read a full review.
Obaideh / Obeidi
Obaideh is a white grape variety that is capable of high sugar content when ripe. There is a honey sweetness to some of the wines featuring Obaideh. That high sugar also gives the wines a roundness and fleshiness. Rumours abound about the origins of Obaideh as well. This grape has also been said to be related to the French native grape, Chardonnay. However, just like Merwah, it is a Lebanese native.
What you should expect
Here you should expect a round creamy texture white wine. One with plenty of lemon citrus fruit on tap. Tropical fruit may feature and more than a drop of honey, too. With that high sugar, it is, of course, an excellent candidate for sweet wine as well as dry. It is also a grape that will perform well with oak maturation. So, watch out for those versions as well.
It is a great blender, and is often blended with Merwah.
Here is a recommendation:
Chateau Ksara Obeidi
This is Chateau Ksara’s first vintage of this wine. It is fuller bodied and the team have maintained the acid here to be a fine support to the ripely rounded guava and grapefruit fruit. There is some nutty complexity with some savoury, lightly salty, sage on the finish.
Want a blend of both?
You should look for the Chateau Musar White which is a blend of both grapes.
