Sept, Cabernet Franc Cuvée de Aley 2021

Sept Cabernet Franc Cuvée de Aley 2022 is a vibrant, high‑altitude red that showcases the warmer, sun‑kissed side of this classic Loire variety through a distinctly Lebanese lens. Grown at 700 meters above sea level in Ain Trez, Mount Lebanon, it balances ripe fruit and Mediterranean generosity with an invigorating line of freshness. This cuvée underlines how Cabernet Franc, long associated with France, can thrive beautifully in Lebanon’s mountain terroirs, revealing a new facet of both grape and place.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Cuvée de Aley 2022 shows a luminous ruby color with a touch of purple at the rim, signaling its youth and vibrancy. The nose is immediately expressive, offering generous blue and red fruits—think wild blueberries, crushed raspberries and ripe cherries—wrapped in subtle floral notes and a gentle hint of fresh herbs and graphite. That classic Cabernet Franc leafy character is present, but sits in the background rather than taking center stage. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, supple and finely textured, with juicy fruit at its core. Ripe red and blue berries lead, supported by soft, well-integrated tannins and a refreshing, altitude-driven acidity that keeps everything precise and lively. The herbal and slightly savory tones add lift and complexity without ever turning green or austere. The finish is clean, medium in length and moreish, making this a highly food-friendly Cabernet Franc. Enjoy it now for its vibrant fruit and energy; over the next 3–5 years it should gain a little extra nuance and softness while retaining its bright profile.

Production
The grapes for Sept Cabernet Franc Cuvée de Aley 2022 are sourced from vineyards in Ain Trez, in the Mount Lebanon range, sitting around 700 meters above sea level. Here, the combination of rocky mountain soils, cooling altitude, and abundant Mediterranean sunshine creates a striking contrast: warm days for full ripeness and cool nights to preserve acidity and aromatics. The fruit is typically harvested by hand to allow for careful selection in the vineyard, ensuring only healthy, optimally ripe clusters make it into the winery. Vinification focuses on expressing terroir and varietal character, with gentle extraction to keep tannins fine and polished, and fermentation at controlled temperatures to preserve the wine’s aromatic purity. The wine is then matured in a way that emphasizes freshness and fruit—oak, if used, is supportive and discreet—allowing the natural character of Cabernet Franc and the Lebanese mountain terroir to shine through.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile, medium-bodied red that excels at the table. Pair it with grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken with Mediterranean herbs, tomato-based pasta dishes, or charcuterie and semi-hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda. It also works beautifully with roasted vegetables, lentil dishes, and herb-forward cuisine where its subtle leafy notes can echo the flavors on the plate. Serve at around 15–17°C (59–63°F) for best balance of fruit and freshness. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes helps the wine open up its aromatic profile, especially in its youth, but it can also be enjoyed simply after a short time in the glass.

Producer
Sept is a quality-focused Lebanese producer dedicated to expressing the country’s diverse mountain terroirs through single-varietal, characterful wines. Working in the hills of Mount Lebanon, the estate champions high-altitude vineyards, careful farming and minimal-intervention winemaking to capture purity and a strong sense of place. Sept has become part of a new wave of Lebanese wineries that highlight elegance, freshness and authenticity over sheer power, helping to redefine perceptions of what Lebanon can offer beyond its historic, heavyweight reds. With cuvées like this Cabernet Franc Cuvée de Aley, Sept is contributing to the growing recognition of Lebanon as a source of distinctive, terroir-driven wines on the international stage.

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