12 Jun 2024
IXSIR, founded in 2008, is a Lebanese winery that has made a significant impact on the local and international wine scene. The name “IXSIR”, derived from the Arabic word for “elixir” (Al-Ikseer), reflects the magical transformation of grapes into fine wines.
Unlike the majority of Lebanon’s wineries which are down in the valley, IXSIR is located on the hills in Batroun, to the north of the country.
Its quest to reveal the best terroirs of Lebanon has seen it extend its vineyard across 120ha, six different mountain regions from Batroun to Jezzine, and a diversity of soils, climates and rainfall. With vines sitting at 1,800m, the winery lays claim to the highest vineyards in the northern hemisphere.
Under the guidance of technical manager and co-founder Gabriel Rivero, IXSIR carefully cultivates a number of grape varieties, which would usually be found across a range of countries, throughout the six different regions. Each region is planted with a mix of varietals, which have been matched to the climate and soil parcels best suited to each of them. The finished wines, which are blends from different plots and various altitudes across the
vineyards, reflect the purity and freshness of the Lebanese mountains.
“IXSIR is basically about new world winemaking in an old world country,” says Gabriel. “It has the history and heritage – for example, we have vineyards in an area that first saw vines 5,000 years ago – but no AOC restrictions, meaning we can experiment and innovate.”
Consuming 75% less energy than any other winery in the world, IXSIR champions sustainable farming – currently enabling 250 farmers and their families to remain on their
own land and offering them a high fixed price as part of a long-term buying contract.
When you think Lebanon, you don’t using think of white wine, but I’ve just had the pleasure of tasting two of their wonderful wines, side by side, which are guaranteed to change that perception forever.
IXSIR Altitudes White 2022 (RRP £24.00/£21.60 multibuy, Great Wine Company)
“Altitudes White is very different to other wines coming from the region, as it has subtle and elegant notes, so an Oriental and Mediterranean signature,” says Gabriel Rivero.
The wine is a blend of three different grapes – the indigenous Obeidy (35%) which provides structure and complexity, Muscat (35%) adding the floral notes and Viognier (30%) exuding elegance. The percentage breakdown will vary year on year, depending on the vintage conditions.
The three varietals each come from four different and diverse mountain regions in Lebanon, where they are planted in the area identified as best suited to them for a true expression of terroir.
“It’s the altitude that is the key ingredient in this fresh and crisp wine. A marked diurnal difference in the vineyards helps preserve the grapes and gives elegance to the finished blend,” explains Gabriel.
The 2022 vintage was a classic one for white wines: on the nose, there are hints of Muscat and grapefruit. Initially floral and fruity, the wine has a balanced finish with spicy undertones and a good acidity. Gabriel likes to pair this with spicy foods and hearty curries.
IXSIR’s Grande Reserve White 2022 (RRP £29.50/£26.55 multibuy, Great White Company; RRP £25.50, Vinum)
Next up is a Gold Medal Winner, with 95 points at the International Wine Challenge 2023.
The Grande Reserve White 2022 is made from 60% Viognier, which gives it white flower notes, complexity and finesse, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, which adds the citrus and grapefruit flavours and 15% Chardonnay, which provides the structure and fullness.
The grapes for the 2022 wine were sourced from four different areas with clay and limestone soils.
Gaby explains: “We usually have some lands that are essential for the personality of the wine and others that might change from vintage to vintage.” Terroirs are not split by varietal but are planted with all three.
The 2022 vintage aged in 50% new and 50% second use French oak barrels for up to three months This with has delicious aromas of honeysuckle, jasmine, white peach and lemon, with a very expressive character. It’s well-balanced, lively but with rounded mellowness, and an elegant finish. Enjoy with white meats such as veal, roasted chicken or turkey.
