2022 Mersel Red Velvet: A Natural Wine from Lebanon

Currently, there are escalating tensions in Lebanon, which could get involved in a wider conflict in the Middle East. Without delving into the politics of the region, I'll note that wine production in Lebanon has continued for many years, despite the volatility of the country. I've previously enjoyed a number of wines from Lebanon and recently tried a new wine to me, from a winery which was also new to me. 

According to the Mersel Wine website, "We are everyday people that support local farmers to make good Lebanese wine for everyone to enjoy!" The winery was cofounded by two women, who are wives and mothers, although I've been unable to locate their names online. The name of the winery comes from the region Maksar Mersel, the highest viticulture region in Lebanon. Their vineyards are organic, and managed in an "environmentally friendly manner." Their wines are unfiltered, unlined, and usually have little or no added sulfites. 

The winemaker at Mersel is Eddie Chami, who was born in Australia to Lebanese parents and around 2006 he relocated to Lebanon. He holds a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, California.  "He is passionate about winemaking, as well as preserving and reviving the land of our ancestors and the winemaking techniques used many, many years ago...His passion is to develop wine using local Lebanese indigenous grape varieties but something not common locally." 

The 2022 Mersel Red Velvet (about $25) is produced from 100% Cinsault, from ten year old vines. The organic vineyards are located at Deir El Ahmar in the Bekaa Valley, at an altitude of about 1,200m. With native yeasts, it was fermented in a sealed concrete tank and eventually underwent malolactic fermentation too. The wine was also unfiltered and unfined.

Even though it's a red wine, the winery recommends that it be served chilled, as you would a white wine, and I followed their suggestion. With a 13% ABV, the Red Velvet had a pleasant smell of red fruits with a touch of spice, and on the palate, it was light-bodied, dry, and with a hint of spritz. The flavors included strawberry, cherry, cranberry with subtle spice notes. Definitely a nice summer wine, especially with the chill to the wine. Easy drinking, but not overly simple. Would be a good wine with barbecue or even just pizza. Definitely worth checking out.