Domaine des Tourelles Marquis des Beys White
Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vegan.
Domaine des Tourelles was founded in 1868 by French adventurer François-Eugène Brun and is one of the most highly acclaimed and oldest wineries still operating in Lebanon. The Brun family owned and ran the winery up until the last descendant died in 2003 but luckily two local families - the Issa and Issa el-Khoury families - joined forces to buy the property and continue the fine tradition of winemaking. This young and dynamic team have introduced new practices in the vineyards and cellar including the use of indigenous natural yeasts, no fining or filtering, and only very small amounts of sulphur. These techniques along with fruit from 40 hectares of ancient, organically cultivated and dry-farmed vineyards (among the oldest in the valley) and a winery perfect for hands-off winemaking, make Domaine des Tourelles one of the finest boutique wineries in the Middle East.
These 20-25 year old vines are located in West Bekaa, 1050m above sea level. After hand-harvesting and vinification of separate plots, the wine is blended then aged in French and American oak barrels for 8 months.
Tasting note:
A nose of ripe stonefruit, vanilla and a touch of hazelnut complexity and exotic fruit flavours. The finish is long, nutty and elegant - a unique and rewarding Chardonnay.
Enjoy with chicken in a creamy sauce or grilled veal chops with mushroom.