Vintage
2015 was characterized as an early vintage. Low rainfall during winter was followed by hot, dry conditions in the summer. The dry, warm weather helped keep the vineyard disease free and produced grapes with good concentration of fruit. The vintage took place earlier than in average years, with fruit in excellent health and good polyphenolic maturity.
Region
Bekaa Valley of Lebanon
Grape variety
100% Obeidi
Vineyard
The vines are planted on the slopes of Mount Lebanon at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, where the warm days are tempered by cooler nights. The summer diurnal temperature difference encourages an extended ripening period; concentrating the flavors and aromatic complexity in the berries, while the fruit retains balancing acidity from the cool nights. The soil is sandstone clay, a sedimentary soil made up of sandy components rich in minerals, while the clay component has excellent water retention properties, essential for nourishing the vines throughout the hot, dry summer. The vines are cane pruned and are planted at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard is cultivated with respect for the environment and the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal maturity.
Winemaking
The Obeidy grapes were sorted prior to vinification to ensure the fruit was healthy and ripe. The grapes were then pressed, and the must was boiled at high temperature to evaporate around third of it and to concentrate the sugar inside. Then the concentrated must is cooled, racked to stainless steel fermentation tanks, and fermented at 18 to 20°C with selected yeasts. The wine rested on its fine lees for couple of months adding texture and subtle complexity before being gently filtered and bottled.
Tasting Notes
Floral and round, with apricot notes, this is a sweet wine made from Obeidy, an indigenous Lebanese white variety. Well balanced and fresh in the mouth.
Alcohol
14,8%
