Château Khoury Prélude 2018
Château Khoury Prélude 2018
Château Khoury Prélude 2018
About
Château Khoury Prélude 2018 is a vibrant and meticulously crafted organic red blend that represents the pure expression of the estate's high-altitude vineyards. Sourced from premium south-southeast facing terraces at an elevation of 1,300 meters on the foothills of Mount Lebanon overlooking Zahlé, the vines benefit from an exceptional continental microclimate. Characterized by 300 days of sunshine, cool alpine nights, and protective winter snowfalls, this terroir allows for slow fruit maturation, giving birth to a wine defined by balanced complexity, structural depth, and fresh high-altitude typicity.
Tasting Notes
Dressed in a rich, vibrant medium ruby color. The nose is highly expressive and open, bursting with ripe aromas of black cherry, plum, and cassis, seamlessly layered with notes of cinnamon, clove, and warm savory spices. On the palate, the wine delivers a dry, mouth-filling, and beautifully textured experience balanced by a lively acidity. The Syrah brings a distinctive peppery edge, while the Merlot and Cabernets add structural depth, offering rounded tannins and a smooth yet robustly spicy profile that culminates in an elegantly lingering finish.
Key Characteristics
| Attribute | Profile |
| Grape Varietal | 40% Syrah, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Region | Zahle, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon |
| Oak | Yes (Matured in French oak barrels to integrate tannins and structure) |
| Body | Medium to full-bodied with a smooth, spicy texture |
| Viticulture | IMC Certified Organic, High-Altitude (1,300m), Non-Irrigated |
| Soil | Clay and limestone hillside terraces |
| Aging Potential | Up to 10 years |
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16–18°C. It is highly recommended to open the bottle a bit before drinking (letting it rest for at least 20 minutes); allowing the wine brief contact with the air helps it open up, unwind, and express its delicate alpine aromatics and deep fruit profile much better.
Pairing
The lively acidity, rounded tannins, and spicy core of this high-altitude red make it exceptionally food-friendly. It pairs gorgeously with premium cuts of grilled red meat, such as a nice piece of ribeye or sirloin steak. It is equally elegant alongside roasted lamb dishes, game, cured meats, and traditional Mediterranean hot mezze—making it an ideal choice for both sophisticated dining and everyday enjoyment.