The fog was slowly lifting from the sea towards the Metn mountains. It was early morning in Khonchara, above Bickfaya, and one could barely see the Monastery of Saint John. Then, out of the watery mist, the pine forest appeared and, in the middle of it, the terraced vineyards... How beautiful you are, oh Mediterranea!
Abouna Charbel, the winemaking monk, was quickly harvesting the grapes before the weather became too hot. He was telling me the story of Abdallah Zakher - a layman who brought the first printing press with Arabic letters to the Monastery in 1720, to whom he pays homage with his wine. "The Cuvée Zakher is pure blackberry!", he said with a tremendous enthousiasm, as always when he talks about his wine.
But there is also pine resin, incense, spices and freshness... How good you taste, oh Mediterranea!
Cheers ~ Salim.
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