Touriga Nacional Red Wine

Why Les Raretés?

From the womb of our efforts to diversify the taste of Lebanese wine, the selection of Les Raretés was born. It comprises varietals that are solely planted in Lebanon by Karam Wines; undoubtedly others will follow suit. Their scarcity earned them their name: Les Raretés. –Captain Habib Karam

Wine Type: Red wine
Grape Variety: Touriga Nacional (Portugal)
Appellation: Jezzine, Southern Lebanon
Fermentation: 100% in stainless steel

Maturation: Aged in oak barrels for 6 months
100% new French oak
Serving: Best served at 15 – 17°C
Decanting: Decant for a half hour prior to savoring

Why Touriga Nacional?

In Captain Karam’s endless educational travels to winemaking countries and its different regions,he discovered Touriga Nacional. He found this varietal to be quite singular and thought it would thrive in the Jezzine terroir. Years after planting Touriga in Lebanon, numerous tastings confirmed the Captain’s gut feeling.

Winemaking & Tasting Notes

Expressiveness, aromatic diversity and good ageing potential drove us to plant the Touriga Nacional. Grown on 1,100-meter plots facing the Mediterranean, this low yield Touriga was vinified and aged in oak barrels for only six
months to create a good balance of fruit, oak and to maintain soft tannins. In Lebanon Jezzine’s terroir, it produces violet floral aromas, supported by blackcurrant, cherry, dark chocolate and spice in the background. Silkiness on entry to the palate, noticeable structure and a burst of dark fruit culminating with rounded acidity and
long lasting minerality.

Food Pairing: Cured meat, medium steak, pastrami, pasta with red sauce and roast beef