2022 Domaine des Tourelles Red Blend, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

ABOUT THIS WINE

Sourced from vineyards located in the Western Bekaa at an altitude of 1,050 m (3,445 feet) above sea level. Typically a blend of Syrah (40%), Cabernet-Sauvignon (40%), Cinsault (15%),Carignan (5%).  Dry farmed vines on Sandy limestone, with clay sub-soils. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks for 10 days. Malo-lactic fermentation begin spontaneously. The wine is blended then aged in concrete vats.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Founded by François-Eugène Brun, who came from France. He fell in love with this area of the Bekaa Valley where he set up the first winery in Lebanon in 1868. After François-Eugène, there were Louis Brun, then Pierre Brun. Three generations of wine lovers, of Bekaa lovers and Lebanon lovers. 150 years of passion for the wine and the land. 

Today more than 150 years since it was established, Domaine des Tourelles is run by the next generation of the Issa & Issa el Khoury families – making it the country’s youngest winemaking team running the country’s oldest winery. Faouzi Issa, Managing Director and winemaker, studied Agricultural Engineering at the American University of Beirut. He then went on to study winemaking in France at Supagro de Montpellier, after which he spent time working at two of France’s best known properties - Domaine Renée Rostaing in the Côte Rôtie, and Château Margaux in Bordeaux. Faouzi returned home to Lebanon in 2008 and took up the reins at Domaine des Tourelles where his wines have gone on to gain international recognition, winning awards and being exported to over 20 countries.