As a wine country, Lebanon is not the first thing that comes to mind, yet surprisingly good wines come from here! This Château Kefraya Red comes from the Bekaa Valley, where the vineyards are situated at as much as 1,000 meters above sea level. It is a beautiful blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre with extensive oak aging. Power, elegance, and silky tannins with warm aromas of cherries, spices, and roasted coffee. This one really shouldn't be missing during the holidays and pairs wonderfully with a hearty piece of meat or a fine game dish. Delicious to drink young, but has tremendous aging potential of over 15 years!

Also try the Iconic Chateau Musar For when you really want to go all out!

Tasting note Château Kefraya Red

Beautifully dark in the glass with long legs. Subtle fruit notes of cherries and blackcurrants are enveloped by a pleasant spiciness with roasted coffee, leather, and vanilla. Decanting briefly before serving is recommended with this wine. The taste is powerful and elegant with silky tannins. Enjoy optimally with a piece of venison loin, hearty red meat, or turkey with cranberries.

Vinification

The Bekaa Valley, where the vineyards of this Château Kefraya Red are located, is extremely fertile! At an altitude of up to 1,000 meters above sea level, the vines benefit from full sunshine for as many as 300 days a year. The altitude provides the grapes with sufficient cooling and increases the chance of precipitation for proper irrigation of the plants. The soil consists mainly of clay, limestone, and sand. After the harvest, the juice undergoes a long maceration (skin contact) of 4 to 5 weeks. This gives the wine its beautiful dark color with powerful tannins. The wine ages for at least 24 months in oak barrels for a beautiful roundness and softening of the tannins. The wine is only bottled and sold after 3 to 4 years. A delicious wine to drink young, but it can certainly age in your own cellar for up to 15 years after the harvest!