Domaine des Tourelles is one of the longest established and most highly acclaimed wineries in the Bekaa Valley. It was founded in 1868 by a French engineer, François-Eugène Brun. In October 2020, the New York Times recommended three wines from Lebanon, and the Tourelles Cinsault was one of them. You can taste the influence of France. While France only governed the country for a little over 20 years, 1920 to 1943, French influence permeates many aspects of life in Lebanon and in particular, winemaking. This 100 percent Cinsault – a grape ideally suited to the Bekaa’s hot, dry climate – has intense fruit notes of strawberries, cherries, plum, and fig overlaid by dried-spice flavors. It is lush and decadent, and its tannic structure and persistent finish make this wine perfect to pair with heartier dishes.
Domaine des Tourelles, Bekaa Valley (Lebanon) Cinsault 2017
By Miranda Franco