At UKWOL we always welcome and applaud merchants who try something new or interesting and manage to break away from the often bland brands which bombard many shelves. So full marks to LeBonVin, which despite their French sounding name are offering wines from Tunisia and the Lebanon. Its easy to forget that many Mediterranean countries have been growing vines ad making wines for centuries – and whilst in earlier times they may have been made solely for local consumption (or for the invading troops) – good winemakers can now produce good wines in such potentially hot, dry climates by employing modern winemaking techniques.
Lebabon has been recognised for some time, the best known being Serge Hochar’s Chateau Musar in the Bekaa Valley – although probably known best for the feat of producing a wine in the midst of the bullets and mortars which can be a feature of that corner of the Middle East. However, the wines do get decent reviews.
But Tunisia is a completely unknown quantity for most of us. Although many winemakers in the south of France have their origins in north Africa and brought their winemaking skills and traditions with them.
LeBon Vin offers both red (Cabernet, Syrah and Merlot blend) from Chateau Elissa in theMornag Valley and a Chardonnay from Domaine Clipea.
Well situated on the most fertile lands, the quality of the Tunisian wines is rich in alcohol content, without excess of acidity, and soft, with the character of new wines. Today, Tunisian wine continues to boast the high repute that the sun, soil and time-honored Tunisian traditions have conferred on it.
LeBonVin also offers a wide range of wines from more traditional wine regions – and adds a wine from Mexico and a Rum from Venezuela – certainly different!
Le Bon Vin Ltd, 340 Brightside Lane ,Sheffield S9 2SB
It is great to see more and more countries embracing the art of wine making with huge growth in South America and China. It is amazing to see a country as hot as Tunisia entering the wine market.
I tried the Tunisian wines after reading this article and found them both to be great drinking wines for the price. The Chardonnay from Clipea is full of flavour and has something different about it than many of todays supermarket lead offerings.
The Red is an easy drinker and I would happily settle for a glass everyday with a nice plate of roasted meat. Le Bon Vin need to be commended for taking a risk and importing wines like these as many people might be put off due to an unfamiliarity of these wines.
I will definately be trying the Lebanese wines from their Heritage collection as my next purchse.
Keep up the good work!
Please advise where I could buy Tunisian wine ( Magon) in London.
Many thanks.
Having just returned from Tunisia, I’m looking for a stockist of Tunisian wine ! I live on the South Coast, but an online supplier would be great. Any suggestions please ?