# Comte de M (2018)

- **Producer:** Château Kefraya
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- **Region:** Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €58
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 17–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, ripe fruit, blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, coffee, cloves, cedar, chocolate, earth, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Comte de M 2018 is a red wine from Château Kefraya in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. The wine's labels are a tribute to the Phoenicians, who cultivated vineyards in the region over 4000 years ago. Château Kefraya was established in 1979 by Michel de Bustros, with a philosophy centered on quality, authenticity, and expressing the Lebanese terroir. The Bekaa Valley, at an altitude of around 1100 meters, provides a distinctive environment for grape growing.

## Interesting facts

- Labels honor Phoenicians, ancient wine pioneers.
- Bekaa Valley vineyards are at ~1100m altitude.
- Château Kefraya was founded during wartime.
- The winery's motto is 'Semper Ultra'.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and structured tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. Flavors of dark fruit and subtle oak notes can echo or contrast with savory dishes, while the wine's complexity can stand up to robust ingredients like mushrooms and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Comte de M 2018 includes cold pre-fermentation maceration for approximately 5 days, followed by a maceration period of 5 weeks or 2-3 weeks in tanks. Fermentation temperatures are controlled, and malolactic fermentation is employed. The wine is subsequently aged for 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels. Grapes are hand-harvested, and some vineyards utilize organic and sustainable practices.