2025 Domaine des Tourelles - Rose Bekaa Valley (750ml)

Domaine des Tourelles holds the distinction of producing Lebanon's very first rosé, created back in 1963. The estate itself was founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun, making it one of the longest established and most acclaimed wineries in the Bekaa Valley and the first commercial cellar in Lebanon to produce wine, arak, and other spirits. In 2000, after the last of the Brun family passed, the estate was purchased by the Issa family, close friends of the founders, who continue the tradition today. Winemaker Faouzi Issa trained in Bordeaux and Montpellier before working with René Rostaing in Côte-Rôtie and at Château Margaux, eventually returning home to lead the family winery.

The vineyards sit in the Western Bekaa on 15 to 20 year old vines grown on sandy limestone soil, entirely hand harvested. This vintage is a 50/50 blend of Cinsault and Syrah. Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel over ten days; the Syrah undergoes a short maceration and bleeding, a rosé saignée, while the Cinsault is direct pressed, with no malolactic fermentation.

The finished wine shows a pale grey-pink hue, bright and elegant. The nose opens with papaya, melon, and white peach, complemented by delicate red berry notes. The palate is refined, fresh, and well balanced, carried by lively acidity, finishing long and expressive with nuances of loquat, fresh strawberry, and orange blossom.

Pair with spicy antipasti, trout steamed with chili, tabbouleh, or baba ghanoush with olive oil, lemon, and garlic.