Terra Sancta Trading Company

Indigenous Grapes

Lebanon

Learn more about the four most commonly used indigenous Lebanese grape varietals

Merwah

White

Merwah is thought to be genetically similar to Semillon, which was introduced to Europe by the Phoenicians of ancient Lebanon. Merwah was traditionally planted on small terraces surrounded by fig and olive trees. Merwah produce rich wines with nutty, floral, and light citrus notes. 

Obaideh

White

Obaideh was traditionally used to make Arak, a Levantine aniseed liquor, due to its high sugar content. It is generally low in acid. It can present honey and citrus notes. Sometimes thought be a clone of Chardonnay, recent research confirms Obaideh’s status as a native Lebanese varietal. 

Daw Al Amar (Moonlight)

White

Daw Al Amar is a green grape that grows wild in Lebanon.

Sabbaghieh/Marini

Red

Dark skinned grape with a name derived from sabgha meaning to “dye” or “stain” in Arabic. Sabbaghieh is a rare teinturier grape with both its skin and flesh having a dark hue. Wines produced with Sabbaghieh have red fruit, dark fruit, vegetal notes, and spice notes.

Palestine

Learn more about the four most commonly used indigenous Palestinian grape varietals

Dabouki

White

Dabouki is the most famous Palestinian varietal and means “sweetness” in Arabic. The grapes are characterized by green berries with elliptical shape and a sweet taste. Dabouki is used as a table grape, in Arak production, to make molasses, and of course to make delicious sweet and dry wines. 

Hamdani

White

Hamdani is a native Palestinian grape varietal characterized by crisp textured, green-yellow hued berries. The grapes are sweet with moderate acidity. 

Jandali

White

Jandali is a native Palestinian vareital characterized by yellow-green berries. Jandali produces wines with moderate acidity. 

Baladi grape bunch from Cremisan Winery, Bethlehem, Palestine

Baladi

Red

Baladi is a Palestinian black grape meaning “local,” “native,” or “country” in Arabic. Baladi is characterized by its crispy texture and moderate acidity. 

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