Domaine Des Tourelles Carignan Vieilles Vignes Bekaa Valley 2020 750 ML

Carignan is one of Lebanon’s most important red grapes, it has thrived in the Bekaa Valley for over 200 years, and Tourelle’s Vieille Vignes bottling is outstanding. Winemaker Faouzi Issa trained at Chateau Margaux and with Rene Rostaing in the Rhone, and returning to Lebanon he quickly recognized the importance Tourelles’ incredible old estate vines. Here Issa lets his magnificent Carignan from 50+ year old vines speak, fermenting and ageing only in concrete, reflecting the identity of this unique region in a highly aromatic, silky pure-fruited red that instantly pulls you in. Raspberry, cranberry, and sweet plum bound from the glass with umami notes, liquorice and Mediterranean spices adding intrigue. If you didn’t know this came from Lebanon you might be fooled into thinking Languedoc, Rhone, or maybe Catalonia. A medium-bodied palate follows, sleek and smooth with more dark red fruits, fine spices and fresh limestone minerals leading into a long dry finish. Incredibly versatile and with broad appeal, if you like Grenache and Zinfandel I know you’re going to love this wine. Here’s a rich red that’s not heavy or overly tannic, lending perfectly to a wide variety of food at the dinner table. Great with smoked meats, casseroles and stews moving into the fall. But I’m thinking Thanksgiving, this will perfect with turkey and all the fixings!