Mersel Lebnani Abyad, a medium bodied skin contact white blending 150 year old Merwah from the Qannboubine Valley with young Sauvignon Blanc from the Bekaa, fresh and lively with mild aromatics and a medium tannic structure.
Tasting Notes
A medium bodied skin contact white built from 150 year old vine Merwah and young Sauvignon Blanc grown at 1,700 metres. Fresh, lively and mildly aromatic, with a medium tannic structure from the extended maceration. Diverse and genuinely food friendly, which is the point of the style. The two grapes are fermented separately, the Sauvignon on skins for three weeks with twice daily punch downs and a further two weeks of maceration, the Merwah on skins for three weeks of slow fermentation, then blended.
Quick Facts
- Grapes: 70% Merwah, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
- Origin: Lebanon, Bcharre in the Qannboubine Valley and Ainata in the Bekaa, both at 1,700m
- Style: Orange wine, skin contact, natural wine, medium bodied
- Winemaking: Sauvignon picked in early August, partially destemmed and pressed, free run juice returned to skins, three weeks fermentation at 17°C plus two further weeks of maceration. Merwah harvested in October, three weeks slow fermentation on skins, then pressed and blended. Natural malolactic, racked twice, bottled in late spring
- Vines: Merwah vines over 150 years old
Food Pairing
A Lebanese mezze spread, grilled halloumi, and spiced vegetable dishes.
Serving
Serve at 12 to 14°C. Open fifteen minutes before pouring.
About the Producer
Mersel Wine is a natural wine producer working in the Lebanese mountains, founded by winemaker Eddie Chami. The estate farms high altitude sites from Terboul at 700 metres up to Ainata in the Bekaa at 1,700 metres, working with the indigenous Merwah grape alongside international varieties, using hand picking, indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention.
