Dar Richi Hanan, a Mersel red made by Abdullah Richi, a Syrian refugee who learned winemaking alongside Eddie Chami and named the wine after his wife, a Cabernet led blend from Bousit in north Lebanon.
Tasting Notes
A Cabernet Sauvignon led blend with Malbec and Sangiovese, destemmed and fermented ten days in stainless steel, then left to complete malolactic fermentation naturally and racked twice before bottling. Expect dark berry fruit with the structure Cabernet brings, Malbec filling the middle with plum and soft tannin, and Sangiovese lifting the finish with acidity. Made with no additions in the natural style Mersel works in throughout.
Quick Facts
- Grapes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Malbec, 11% Sangiovese
- Origin: Lebanon, Bousit, north Lebanon at 800m
- Style: Dry red, natural wine, unfined and unfiltered
- Winemaking: Picked in early September, destemmed into stainless tanks, fermented ten days at 25°C, racked off skins, natural malolactic fermentation, racked twice, bottled in late spring
Food Pairing
Grilled meats, kebabs, lamb, and Lebanese mezze.
Serving
Serve at 16°C. Open fifteen minutes before pouring.
About the Producer
Dar Richi Hanan was created by Abdullah Richi, who came to Lebanon from Syria to escape the war and learned winemaking by working alongside Mersel's winemaker Eddie Chami. He named the wine after his wife, Hanan. His ambition is to return to Syria and establish a winery of his own. Mersel Wine is a natural wine producer working in the Lebanese mountains, farming high altitude sites and using hand picking, indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention.
