The wine history of Lebanon began with the Phoenicians over 5,000 years ago. The original vineyards at Ksara were planted with Cinsaut, which was subsequently joined by other French vine varieties. Most of these remain in Lebanon’s vinicultural makeup today: red Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and white Ugni Blanc, Clairette and Chardonnay. The original plants were brought from France via the French colonies in Algeria, and with them came contemporary French winemaking wisdom. This, coupled with the country's period under French rule in the early 20th century, explains why Lebanon’s wine industry is so closely modeled on its counterpart in France. It is also the reason why Lebanese wineries are Chateaux and why the national wine authority, the UVL, is the Union Vinicole du Liban.