Chateau Ksara – Le Souverain
Last year I did a story on Chateau Ksara, see https://californiawinesandwineries.com and now I want to feature their 150 year Anniversary Le Souverain. It is a 50/50 blend of their Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Arinarnoa. I personally was not too familiar with the Arinarnoa grape.
Arinarnoa grape is a cross between two Bordeaux varieties, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It is a dark berried grape which was bred in 1956. Wine-Searcher calls the grape a “rich and fleshy Merlot with acidity and spice of Petit Verdot” which produces a wine “naturally deep in color and well structured”. Without a food pairing the acidity and earthiness came through loud and clear. Would have enjoyed tasting it with a hearty meal.
The grape was originally grown in the south of France for the designations of the famous Languedoc and Provence regions. Today it is grown around the world and surprisingly Lebanon produces 54% of this varietal.
This 150th Anniversary Edition won a Gold Medal at the prestigious Mundus Vini in 2011.
I am not familiar with anyone in California producing this varietal and if you know of a winery, please pass it along to me.
Slainte,
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