With an unusual blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Syrah (10%) and Grenache (5%), Les Emirs carries us under the warm Lebanese sun.

The deep, dense ruby-red color and aromas of candied cherry, black fruit and cocoa are inspiring. The nose is fine and complex, with vanilla and a touch of spice and liquorice. On the palate, the wine is dry and crisp, with prominent but very fine tannins. Well-balanced and surprisingly persistent. Whether with a royal couscous, a lasagna bolognaise or simply a hamburger, Les Émirs will surprise and delight you.

This success owes much to the Toumas, originally a family of distillers well known in Lebanon: in 1888, grandfather Elias Touma founded a distillery producing arak - the local Levantine anisette similar to Greek ouzo - which is now renowned throughout the Middle East. His son, then his grandchildren, broadened their horizons by taking an interest in wine and planting vines on the land they own around the historic distillery. Château Saint-Thomas is located in West Bekaa, where the great Lebanese vineyards are concentrated. Their first vintage dates back to 1998. Since then, they have expanded their range to include a dozen wines, blends as well as single varietals, which are exported mostly to Europe and the United States.