# Comte de M (2007)

- **Producer:** Château Kefraya
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Mourvèdre, Carignan
- **Region:** Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €75
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, black pepper, vanilla, toast, smoke, cedar, leather, cinnamon

## About this wine

Château Kefraya's 'Comte de M' is a flagship red blend from Lebanon's historic Bekaa Valley. Founded by Michel de Bustros, the winery began producing its own wines in 1979, remarkably during the Lebanese civil war, showcasing immense resilience and dedication. The vineyards are situated on terraced slopes at a high altitude of 1000-1100 meters, benefiting from a diverse mix of clay-limestone, clay-chalk, sandy, and gravelly soils. The 'Comte de M' specifically hails from a dedicated 9-hectare plot, reflecting a commitment to terroir expression and quality. The 2007 vintage, a blend primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, has garnered international recognition, including a 90-point rating from Falstaff, solidifying its status as a premium Lebanese wine.

## Interesting facts

- Château Kefraya started producing wine in 1979, amidst the Lebanese Civil War.
- The vineyards for 'Comte de M' are located at a high altitude of 1000-1100 meters.
- The 'Comte de M' is sourced from a specific 9-hectare plot within the estate.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied, dry red wine with pronounced intensity, firm tannins, and notes of dark fruit, spice, and oak demands rich, flavorful dishes. The wine's structure and savory characteristics are best balanced by proteins with high fat content or robust flavors, which can soften the tannins and complement its complexity. Earthy elements, like mushrooms or truffles, also harmonize beautifully with the wine's tertiary notes, while aromatic herbs and spices can echo its aromatic profile.

## Wine making process

The winemaking at Château Kefraya for the 'Comte de M' emphasizes quality from vineyard to bottle. Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested from the specific 9-hectare plot designated for this wine. The winery employs modern techniques to ensure optimal fermentation and extraction. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extensive aging process, spending up to 24 months in French oak barrels. This extended oak maturation contributes to the wine's structure, complexity, and ability to age gracefully, integrating fruit, spice, and savory notes.