A lunch in London with Faouzi Issa of Domaine des Tourelles: Lebanon’s first commercial winery back in 1868 and also producer of a pioneering rosé, since 1963. Cinsault is a key grape of the region, passionately celebrated and living its best life in this pink wine and the reds from the same winery. Faiouzi spent years working with top Rhône and Margaux producers so brings modern French know how to combine with exceptional grapes grown on the unique terroir of the Bekaa Valley, with 300 days of sunshine annually but also cool nights and ideal slopes. This pink has tremendous mouthfeel and a proper berry finish to accompany duck to perfection. A truly gastronomic rosé from an ancient wine region with a modern twist.

About this Vineyard

Lebanon’s oldest commercial winery, Domaine des Tourelles was established by French engineer Francois-Eugene Brun, who spotted the potential of the Bekaa Valley while working on the Beirut-to-Damascus railroad. Now run by descendants of the family — siblings Faouzi, Christiane, and Emile — the estate spans 100 acres of dry-farmed vineyards at 1,050 metres elevation near the iconic Baalbeck ruins. Their artisan approach includes indigenous yeasts, no fining or filtering, and fermentation in 19th-century cement tanks that are among the oldest in continual use anywhere in the world.

About The Author

I’m Rosalind and I’m here to talk to you about Rosé. Whether it’s your first choice or your last on a wine list, this site is for you. After years of writing about and tasting wine, there is something truly special to me about the pink stuff. On the Rose Report, I write reviews of the best Rosé Wines. You can find out more about me HERE.