Cuvee du Fondateur 2017
Karam Winery · Lebanon, Bekaa Valley
At a glance
- Producer
- Karam Winery
- Region
- Lebanon, Bekaa Valley
- Grape variety
- Blend (typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvèdre)
- Wine type
- Red
- Body
- Full-bodied and Smooth
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $25-$40
Tasting profile
Fresh black fruit, cedar, subtle spice, and earth notes.
Evolution: Will develop more tertiary notes: leather, tobacco, truffle with age.
At peak: Balanced complex fruit and savory notes with silky tannins.
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium
- Tannins
- Medium to Firm
- Alcohol
- 13.5-14%
- Aging potential
- 8-12 years
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2025 to 2030
- Optimal window
- 2022 to 2032
- Current status
- Approaching early maturity
- Current condition
- Youthful fruit and developing complexity
The wine's moderate tannin and acidity structure plus quality 2017 vintage allows integration and complexity to develop over a 10-year window, with peak drinking 5-8 years post-vintage.
Food pairing
Grilled lamb, roasted game birds, rich stews, aged hard cheeses.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 16-18°C / 61-64°F
- Decant
- Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up.
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 6/10
Karam Winery employs sustainable farming practices typical for Bekaa Valley including water conservation and limited chemical input; however, specifics are limited.
While not formally certified, the winery demonstrates moderate sustainable farming and environmental stewardship practices typical for high-quality Bekaa Valley estates, with some room for improvement in certifications and packaging sustainability.