Mersel Wine, 'Red Velvet' 2021

• producer: Mersel
• region: Bekaa Valley
• country: LBN
• grape variety: cinsaut
• production notes: certified organic, woman winemaker/owner, vegan

Mersel Wine was founded by two women who wanted to highlight the farmers and winemakers of Lebanon. Mersel is named for the region, Maksar Mersel, which is the highest viticulture region in Lebanon, located between the Cedars and Ainata El Arz, at an altitude ranging between 2,000 and 2,400m. Mersel also has vineyards in Ainata in the Bekaa Valley, Dimane and Bcharre in Wadi Qannoubine, and Bousit in Northern Lebanon. Winemaker, Eddie Chiami is Lebanese but was born in Australia. He holds a degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, California. He is drawn to the indigenous grape varieties of Lebanon and wanted to make wines that truly reflected the country’s land. 

This light red wine is meant to be served cold, like a white wine. Electric purple in color with aromas and notes of ripe blackberries and bright lemon zest, with a green, grippy finish.