Founded in 1868 by French expatriate François-Eugène Brun, Domaine des Tourelles is a timeless gem nestled on the western edge of the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. This historic winery has remained largely unchanged since its inception. Indeed, it has maintained a distinct charm with its low-slung buildings capped with red clay tiles. Stepping through its cellar doors, visitors are transported to a bygone era, where 19th-century winemaking traditions still reign.
The legacy of Domaine des Tourelles
The survival of Domaine des Tourelles through the 20th century without succumbing to modernization is nothing short of miraculous. While many wineries around the world have shifted toward modern, industrialized techniques, Domaine des Tourelles has stayed true to its roots. This dedication to tradition is exemplified by Faouzi Issa, the passionate winemaker who has continued the legacy of the Brun family. Having worked in estates in France that were re-exploring traditional winemaking practices, Issa returned to the Bekaa Valley with a vision to share the authentic wines of his homeland with the world. His efforts have ensured that Domaine des Tourelles remains a beacon of heritage winemaking, offering wines that are as genuine as the land they come from.
The Bekaa Valley: a terroir like no other
The Bekaa Valley has been renowned for its vineyards and wines for centuries. Indeed, the valley lies at an average elevation of 1,000 meters, just 30-50 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast, and is flanked by the Mount Lebanon range to the west and the Anti-Lebanon range to the east.
This unique geographical positioning, combined with limestone, sandstone and dolomite mountains that weather into fertile clays, creates an ideal environment for viticulture.
The elevation ensures warm, dry days and cool nights during summer, while the snow-covered mountains in winter provide a constant supply of groundwater.
The Bekaa Valley’s exceptional terroir is epitomized by the grand Temple of Bacchus in Baalbek, standing as a testament to the region’s longstanding relationship with winemaking.
The evolution of winemaking
While the Bekaa Valley’s winemaking roots stretch back millennia, its modern history began in the mid-19th century when commercial viticulture re-emerged. This renaissance was heavily influenced by French expatriates who introduced new grape varieties alongside the region’s indigenous ones.
Today, the valley is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, including Cinsault, Carignan, Grenache, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Despite this variety, the wines produced in the Bekaa share a common characteristic: a balance of rich, ripe fruit and bright, mineral freshness, which is a true reflection of the region’s unique terroir.
A commitment to sustainability
Faouzi Issa’s approach to winemaking at Domaine des Tourelles is grounded in a simple yet profound philosophy: respect for the land and the traditions of the past.
Embracing sustainable and manual farming practices, Issa ensures that every step of the winemaking process is carried out with care and consideration for the environment. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermentations are conducted with indigenous yeasts, and the use of sulfur dioxide (SO2) is kept to a minimum. Red wines are aged predominantly in neutral oak, except for the small-batch Marquis des Beys and Syrah du Liban.
The red wines undergo fermentation in cement tanks, using passive temperature control methods perfected over centuries, while whites and rosés are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to retain their freshness.
By composting the byproducts of fermentation and returning them to the soil, Domaine des Tourelles not only produces wines of remarkable authenticity but also contributes to the sustainability of the Mediterranean landscape it calls home.
For more information on Domaine des Tourelles , call +961 81 707 679 or visit the website.
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