Merweh

This vintage was characterized as an early vintage. Low rainfall during winter was followed by hot, dry conditions in the summer. The dry, warm weather helped keep the vineyard disease free and produced grapes with good concentration of fruit. The vintage took place earlier than in average years, with fruit in excellent health.

Mount Lebanon, Lebanon

The vines are planted at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, where the warm days are tempered by cooler nights. The summer diurnal temperature difference is 20°C, which encourages an extended ripening period, concentrating the flavors and aromatic complexity in the berries, while retaining balancing acidity from the cool nights. The soil is calcareous clay which is a cool soil that has good water retention properties to nourish the vines during the hot, dry summers. Due to its pH, calcareous clay soils tend to produce refreshing wines, which encourages further balance to the ripeness of fruit. The vines are cane pruned and are planted at a density of 4,000 vines per hectare. The vineyard is cultivated with respect for the environment and the grapes are hand-harvested at optimal maturity. Merwah is an indigenous Lebanese variety which thrives in this terroir and was previously used in the production of Arak but is now coming into its own as a varietal white wine.

The grapes were pressed, and each variety was vinified separately. The must was racked and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 14 to 16°C with selected yeasts. The wine did not go through malolactic fermentation to maintain the crisp and fresh style.

Made from Merwah, an indigenous Lebanese white variety, this aromatic wine combining citrus and stone fruits and has mineral flavors through to a lovely, a soft balance, and a vinous finish: classy and delicious