Domaine des Tourelles Merweh & Obeidi Vieilles Vignes 2023

No, not a duo from ancient scripture - these two indigenous Lebanese grape varieties have roots that stretch back to Biblical times. Winemaking here dates back millennia, and it's rare to find a bottle that so vividly reflects that history. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the western Bekaa, this blend of 100-year-old Merweh and 50-year-old Obeidi shines with a lovely golden hue and is crafted for absolute freshness. The nose is layered with aromas of sun-warmed orchard fruit, apple skin, and a medley of spices and herbs. Mineral and savoury on the palate, it unfolds with notes of dried figs and fresh almonds on the finish. Rich, complex, and full of depth, this is a remarkable expression of Lebanon's enduring winemaking heritage.

Try this with grilled sea bass with herbed butter or pan-seared halibut with lemon and almonds - the wine's freshness cuts through the richness, while its spice and orchard fruit play matchmaker on your palate.

Domaine des Tourelles, founded in 1868 by Frenchman François-Eugène Brun, holds the title of the oldest winery in Lebanon. The Brun family maintained ownership until 2003, when it was passed to the Lebanese Issa and Issa el-Khoury families, who have since brought the estate into the 21st century. Their vineyards, situated in the prime locations of the Bekaa Valley, are organically farmed. In the winery, they adopt a minimal intervention philosophy, using natural yeasts for fermentation and avoiding fining or filtration, with minimal sulphur use. Not just the oldest, Domaine des Tourelles is also one of Lebanon's finest wineries.