Massaya "Cap Est" Beqaa Valley, 2018

LOCATION: grapes grown on the hillsides of the north-easterly portion of the Beqaa Valley at an altitude of 1 200 metres, in the Ras Baalbeck area. An arid and continental environment, where Mount Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges meet. AREA: 17 acres.

SOIL AND SUBSOIL: chalky clay.

GRAPE VARIETIES: grenache noir 50%, mourvèdre 50%.

VINE AGE: 18 years on average.

VINIFICATION: conducted at our Tanaïl winery. Grapes are hand-picked, conveyed in crates, and sorted on tables. They are fully destemmed, then vinified for at least 30 days in temperature controlled oak vats.

MATURATION: 22 months in oak vats. Bottled without fining or filtering at 2 years.

PERSONALITY AND AGEING: an elegant distinctive pale ruby wine with a nose that subtly blends violets and ripe red berry fruits leading to a progressive body and a compelling minerality. Seductive velvety elegance overlays an attractive weave of fine