Habib Karam - BOC Chronicles
On the occasion of the Internatinal Civil Aviation Day, BOC decided to interview Mr. Habib Karam a professional airline captain and a passionate wine maker who founded Karam Wines, the first winery in Southern Lebanon.
How and why did you start your career as a pilot? A little bit of background on how it all started.
"In the late 50s in a small town in the South of Lebanon, I would help my grandmother pick grapes to make Arak, the national drink of Lebanon; an aniseed based Eau De Vie. During harvest, I would look at the sky, watch aircrafts pass by and dream of flying. The dream turned reality.
Why? The flying career, although based on science as winemaking is full of enigma. Pilots must possess certain qualities such as good health, fast reflexes and the ability to think and act at the same time, which are not required in other professions – that was of interest to me."
As a frequent flyer, what is your favorite city and why? What’s the most remarkable city you’ve experienced when it comes to wine and oenology?
"My favorite cities to visit are London and Moscow. Both cities overflow with history, art, good music and food.
Bordeaux is the most remarkable city I have experienced when it comes to wine and oenology. Many fairs are hosted in Bordeaux such as Vinexpo, where you can taste several good wines from across the globe and Vinitech which caters to your winemaking needs such as enological products and equipment."
How did you become passionate about wine and what kick-started your career as wine maker?
"You could say that I was raised into it; my grandparents were the largest landowners in the region. They mainly planted table grapes and distilled Arak.
I left Lebanon at a young age to study in the UK and mingled with classmates whose parents possessed massive wine cellars at home, I had the opportunity to taste different wines and spirits.
I realized at the time that winemaking was a science, an art, a culture and was full of surprises. This made me curious to learn more."
Karam wines is one of the few wineries in the South, and most of the Lebanese vineyards use grapes coming from the Bekaa Valley. How did you start using different kinds of vines? Do you have a special cultivation process?
"We believe when we sell a bottle of wine that we are not selling the liquid but the terroir it came from.
Every region promotes its unique taste.
In order to diversify the taste of Lebanese wine, we decided to plant vines in a different area, one that is rich in hills, mountains, waterfalls and valleys therefore, Jezzine – Southern Lebanon. Our aim was to produce wines with different tastes and qualities. We use the small, unique lot approach, vinifying each parcel on its own to reveal its true identity and terroir character thus creating the optimal blend.
Each varietal is planted in its ideal terroir, thanks to the geological diversity in the South, and is maintained using specific agricultural practices."
Would you define Karam Wines as having a classical wine making process or a rather modern one? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
"The wine making process of any winery falls back to the wine maker: be it the classical or modern way. What is more important is the signature the winemaker leaves behind. I believe that each winemaker must possess a signature in all the wines he/she creates.
My signature is the rounded acidity in the aft palate, the high minerality and low alcohol content in our wines.
I draw my inspiration from the climate and nature around me."
Any advice on how to juggle life between two vastly different worlds? After all, winemaking and aviation are nowhere near each other on the career spectrum.
"Both careers are not that different in my opinion: they are scientific with a lot of enigma and both require a certain type of character.
The difference is, as far as I am concerned, that winemaking needs artistic skills while flying does not.
My advice is to be passionate about what you do. When flying or making wine, I do not feel that I’m working - it is more of a hobby. I flew for 43 years and never worked a day in my life – this goes for winemaking too.
To be successful, hard work and passion are required. Give each career its dues."
What are you doing to fight pollution and work on waste management?
"In winemaking, we do not pollute. At Karam Wines, we have a firm belief that what comes from the earth must go back to it.
When we press the grapes, the peel and seeds are used as compost, the same goes for pruning."
What role did your kids play in your initiation to winemaking? Were the wines bearing your children’s names created randomly or does each define them in a unique way?
"My kids were my inspiration and they provided continuity. God blessed me with three children. I named each wine with reference to their character.
Syrah de Nicolas (mono-cepage of Syrah) is named after my first-born. Nicolas is known to have the purest heart and warmest personality. The Syrah emulates his character: smooth tannins, full body and good longevity.
Thouraya (mono-cepage of Cabernet Sauvignon) is named after my only daughter. Thouraya in Arabic represents a constellation of stars. Much like my daughter’s character, this wine is bold and speaks for itself.
Saint John (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot & Touriga Nacional) is named after my third born. John is no saint, but possess qualities that touch everyone he meets. Much like its namesake, this complex wine adapts to the taste buds of its consumers and leaves them begging for more."
Did you have many sceptics when you revealed your plan to start making wine?
"Yes, I did.
People thought I knew nothing about wine. They said I was mad to do this but here we are today!"
Describe your way of life in three words.
"Three words, two sentences:
'A day late. A dollar short' Haha!"
What’s something you’d like to tell the public in lieu of International Civil Aviation Day?
"Fly as much as you can, travel is the healthiest addiction. Explore what the world has to offer!"
