Cardo (2022) - Chateau Trois Collines

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In the fertile Bekaa Valley, where the sun kisses the vines and history is woven into the land, stands Chateau Trois Collines, a Lebanese wine gem. Here the wine Cardo tells a story of resilience and passion. During the Lebanese civil war many vineyards were abandoned, but the family who founded Chateau Trois Collines chose to stay and farm their land, defying adversity. Cardo, a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc, is a tribute to that determination. Every bottle is a symbol of rebirth, a homage to the ability to turn hardship into opportunity, just like the thistle that flowers in arid ground.

Cardo (2022) - Chateau Trois Collines

Type: Vino Bianco

Area: Lebanon, Nord Bekaa, Bekaa

Appellation: Bekaa Valley

Grape variety: Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc

Vintage: 2022

Winery: Chateau Trois Collines

Alcohol: 12.5%

The appellation: Bekaa Valley

The Bekaa Valley appellation is one of the most significant expressions of Lebanese winegrowing, set in the fertile Bekaa valley. This region, with its Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soils, offers ideal conditions for growing a range of grape varieties. The Bekaa's winemaking history is an ancient one, rooted in traditions thousands of years old, which makes the wines produced here a genuine cultural heritage.

What to eat with Cardo

Who makes it: Chateau Trois Collines

Chateau Trois Collines is a winery that stands out for its passion and dedication in producing high-quality wines. Founded with the aim of expressing the essence of Lebanon, the winery works to combine tradition and innovation to offer its customers unique experiences. The vineyards lie in a privileged area, where climate and soil create ideal conditions for growing a range of grape varieties. The philosophy of Chateau Trois Collines is based on: Artisan quality, with a careful winemaking process that makes the most of every single bunch. Respect for the land, valuing local traditions and sustainable practices. Ongoing innovation, to improve the quality of the wines and meet consumers' expectations. Accessibility: wines made for every occasion, from everyday drinking to special celebrations.

The vine of Cardo

Chardonnay

Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.

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Sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most famous and widely planted white grape varieties in the world, known for its fresh, aromatic and vibrant wines. Native to France, and in particular to the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc has spread to many wine regions, adapting to different climates and soils while always keeping its unmistakable personality.

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Cardo: the Bekaa area

Bekaa

The Bekaa is one of the most important wine regions in Lebanon, famous for a winemaking history going back thousands of years. This valley, set between the mountains of Lebanon, has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cool winters that suit the growing of several grape varieties. The Bekaa is known for its high-quality wines, thanks to fertile soils and a winemaking tradition that has evolved over time, mixing modern techniques with traditional methods.

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Inland area

Profile of Cardo

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit

Secondary aromas: Mediterranean herbs, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather

Tasting notes: A wine of fresh, fruity character, with notes of red fruit and a light spiciness. A balanced, pleasant finish.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Balanced
Acidity	Medium
Tannin	Medium
Sweetness	Dry
Finish	Media
Colour	Ruby red
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Cardo

Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas

Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness. What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel Winemaking Preserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product. Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling. Characteristics of the Resulting Wines Colour Whites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency. Aromas Fruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs. Taste Fresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally. Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape Varieties Vermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Black Grape Varieties Pinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés. Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.

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Ageing methods used for Cardo

In barrique

Ageing in barrique is one of the noblest and most fascinating techniques in winemaking, chosen to give the wine complexity, structure, elegance and potential to develop. The barrique is a small wooden cask, usually of French or American oak, with a capacity of around 225 litres. Thanks to its small size and the direct contact between wine and wood, this kind of ageing allows constant micro-oxygenation and a measured contribution of tertiary aromas, helping to develop toasty, spicy, vanilla or balsamic aromas, and to polish the tannins in reds.

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Time on the lees for Cardo

No contact with the lees