Mersel 'Lebnani Ahmar' Cinsault Bekaa Valley 2023 1L

When three women founded Mersel Wine, they were carrying on a winemaking baton that had been passed from generation to generation since the time of the Phoenicians in 1550 BCE. This ancient group can be credited with establishing an expansive maritime trade network that linked several major cradles of civilization, serving as ambassadors of cultural, religious, and economic exchange. We can thank them in part for providing us with the Phoenician alphabet, Tyrian purple, and perhaps our personal favorite, wine! Head winemaker Eddie Chami honors that history by making wines steeped in tradition, respect, and blazing with raw authenticity.These makers are not only stewards of the land, they are also advocates of diversity, inclusivity and seek to provide opportunity for marginalized communities. The ‘Lebnani Ahmar’ red is composed of cinsault that is hand-harvested and destemmed into a concrete tank, undergoing a slow spontaneous fermentation for roughly two weeks. Skins are pressed off and fermentation continues to groove on out for another week, after which it is left to go through malolactic fermentation. Unfined, unfiltered, unapologetic. Like a shot of cranberry-pomegranate juice, followed by a fistful of slightly smashed raspberries and blackberries balanced by a savory herbaceous edge and lingering embers of frankincense and myrrh. Drink with falafel and labneh, grilled vegetable skewers, or dare to pair with a fig-prosciutto flatbread. Pop off. Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.