Obeidy, a Lebanese white grape variety, produces elegant wines like this delicate Domaine Wardy.

A pleasant wine for lovers of interesting discoveries: its white variety of Lebanese origin, Obeidy, sparks curiosity. Until recently, Obeidy was mainly used in the production of arak, the traditional Middle Eastern spirit made from distilled grapes and anise. In Lebanon, it is extremely widespread, particularly in the Bekaa Valley, where its vines bask at an altitude of 1,000 meters on the slopes of the Mount Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountains.

A pioneer, Domaine Wardy released the first vintage of this single-varietal cuvée in 2012. For this, they selected old vines (at least 20 years old), from plots in the hills around Zahleh, the main town in the Bekaa. Many Lebanese wineries followed the lead and have been experimenting with it ever since, in blends or single-varietals, with the aim of making it one of the country's great wine signatures.

Still relatively unknown internationally, it has a subtle nose, with less powerful aromas than those of a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It does, however, reveal beautiful ashy, almost toasted notes, as well as fruit aromas such as mirabelle plum and quince. On the palate, you'll appreciate its acidity and finely integrated oak. Normal: this Obeidy is aged for sixteen months in French barrels. In 2020, its 2016 vintage even won a silver medal at the Sommeliers Choice Awards, held in San Francisco, USA.