Massaya - Arak Traditionnel
Massaya is located in the north-east of the Bekaa Valley, in Lebanon. The Ghosn family had owned the land prior to 1975, but after the outbreak of Lebanon's long civil war, the vineyards had been damaged and production halted, and the family had fled to the United-States. The winery, cellars and vineyards were rebuilt and repaired with help and inspiration from France; specifically, from winemakers Dominique Hébrard and Hubert de Boüard of Bordeaux, and Daniel Brunier of Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in the Rhône Valley. Together, the Hébrard and Brunier families own 30% of Massaya with the remaining share retained by the Ghosn family. Massaya has two wineries: the main site in Tanaïl produces red wines and Arak while a higher-altitude site in Ouyoun el Simane is given over to white wine and rosé production.
Arak, a traditional drink in the region made from distilled grape must was the first product to be revived and has become the cornerstone of Massaya's portfolio. Indeed, the name Massaya means "twilight" in Lebanese, a reference to the blue colour of the sky at this time of day, which matches the colour of Arak. The Arak itself is made from the native Obaideh grape variety, and is distilled three times alongside organic anise from Syria. It is then rested in clay amphorae for a few months before being released to market.