Sept, Merweh Skin Contact 2022

Sept Merweh Skin Contact 2022 is a characterful orange wine that shines a spotlight on one of Lebanon’s most ancient native grapes, reinterpreted through a modern, minimal-intervention lens. Crafted in the high-altitude vineyards of the Bekaa Valley, it offers both adventurous drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts a compelling glimpse into Lebanon’s resurgent fine wine culture. This bottling stands out for its combination of traditional grape heritage, extended skin contact, and a delicately textured, gastronomic profile.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Sept Merweh Skin Contact 2022 typically shows a deep golden to amber hue, with an inviting, slightly hazy appearance that reflects its artisanal, low-intervention origins. The nose is vivid and complex, bringing together notes of dried apricot, orange zest, chamomile, and Mediterranean herbs, often complemented by hints of tea leaf, subtle spice, and a gentle nuttiness. On the palate, this orange wine tends to be dry, textural, and firmly structured, with fine-grained tannins derived from extended skin contact. Flavors echo the aromatics—think stone fruit, citrus peel, and herbal tea—woven together with a savory, almost saline edge that speaks to the Bekaa Valley terroir. The finish is long and layered, with a pleasant grip and a refreshing, slightly bitter twist reminiscent of orange pith. Enjoyable now for its energy and freshness, it also has the concentration and tannic backbone to develop further complexity over the next few years if stored well.

Production
Sourced from high-elevation vineyards in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, Sept Merweh Skin Contact 2022 reflects a Mediterranean mountain terroir marked by intense sunlight, cool nights, and well-drained, often limestone-influenced soils. These conditions help preserve acidity in the Merweh grape while allowing for slow, even ripening. Grapes are typically hand-harvested to ensure careful selection of bunches and minimal oxidation prior to fermentation. In keeping with the producer’s natural-leaning philosophy, the wine is made with extended skin contact—transforming this white variety into an orange wine—using gentle extraction and native yeasts. Fermentation and aging are usually done in neutral vessels (such as concrete or older barrels) to showcase grape and place rather than oak, with minimal intervention and restrained use of sulfur, resulting in an authentic, terroir-driven expression.

Food & Serving
This is a highly food-friendly orange wine that shines at the table. Its texture and gentle tannins make it an excellent match for mezze spreads, grilled halloumi, fattoush, and other Levantine dishes, as well as richer seafood like octopus, grilled prawns, or herb-crusted white fish. It also pairs beautifully with roasted poultry, root vegetables, mushroom dishes, and semi-hard cheeses. Serve slightly cool, around 12–14°C (54–57°F), to balance freshness with aromatic complexity. A brief decant of 20–30 minutes can help the wine open up and soften the tannins, especially if it’s just been pulled from a cold cellar or fridge.

Producer
Sept is a contemporary Lebanese producer that has quickly earned attention for its focus on indigenous varieties and expressive, low-intervention winemaking. Working primarily in the Bekaa Valley—Lebanon’s historic viticultural heartland—Sept aims to capture the character of site and grape with minimal adornment, often highlighting forgotten or underappreciated native cultivars like Merweh. The winery’s philosophy emphasizes sustainability, careful vineyard work, and restrained cellar techniques, aligning it with a new wave of Eastern Mediterranean producers redefining the region’s wine identity. Sept’s bottlings have contributed to a growing international recognition of Lebanon not just as a source of robust reds, but also as a home for distinctive, terroir-driven whites and orange wines of real nuance and authenticity.

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