Introduction:
The 2024 Mersel Red Velvet Whole Cluster Cinsault is a light, chillable red from the Bekaa Valley that delivers fresh red fruit, gentle spice, and natural vibrancy in a natural-wine package. It’s approachable, playful, and nuanced—a standout for its terroir and technique.

Terrior:
Vines are planted at about 1,200 m elevation near Deir El Ahmar in the Bekaa Valley. Soils are limestone-rich and the climate offers Mediterranean warmth tempered by altitude and cool mountain airflow. Certified organic practices support minimal intervention and natural farming.

Appearance:
Medium ruby with youthful clarity and a slight tint of pink, reflecting its light-bodied profile.

Nose:
Bright aromas of strawberry, crushed raspberry, sour cherry, and cranberry, accented by a hint of spice and very light smokiness.

Palate:
Light-bodied, with vibrant red fruit and a gently juicy texture. Carbonic maceration and whole-cluster fermentation add freshness and a faint spritz. Flavors of strawberry and cranberry carry minerality and leafy herbal lift, with fine tannins and balanced acidity.

Finish:
Crisp and lingering—red fruit recedes into subtle spice, herb, and saline notes, leaving a refreshing and palate-cleansing close.

Overall Impression:
A delightfully light, chillable Cinsault—a glou-glou wine with depth and character. Ideal chilled as a patio sipper, or paired with pizza, mezze, charcuterie, or grilled Mediterranean fare. Drink anytime over the next couple of years.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13.0%
Farming Practices: Organic vineyards, minimal intervention, unfiltered, minimal or no added SO₂
Producer Name: Mersel Wine
Old World / New World: Old World (Lebanon)
Country of Origin: Lebanon
Region: Bekaa Valley (Deir El Ahmar, ~1,200 m altitude)
Grape Varietals: 100% Cinsault
Vintage: 2024
Wine Style: Light-bodied, glug-friendly red with bright red fruit, slight spritz, herbal lift, and creamy texture
Winemaking Techniques: Hand-harvested; whole-cluster carbonic maceration (~10 days), followed by press-off and continued fermentation in concrete; native yeast; natural malolactic fermentation; bottled unfined and unfiltered; chilled service recommended
Pack Size: 750 ml bottle (though labeled “750 ml”, naturally served cold)
Container Style: Standard red wine bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork or crown cap (natural wine varies)