2021 Desir, Château Oumsiyat

The Bekaa Valley Crimson Glow

This is Lebanese red wine with freshness, softness and a bright Mediterranean pulse. A blend of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cinsault, it opens with cranberry, red cherry, blackcurrant and plum, followed by pepper, dried herbs, gentle spice and a soft earthy note. It is medium-bodied, unoaked and fruit-forward, made to show purity, charm and easy drinkability.

The palate is fresh, supple and smooth, with red and black berry fruit, soft tannins and a clean, lightly savoury finish. There is warmth here, but not heaviness, making it a lovely everyday Lebanese red with enough character to feel like a proper discovery.

For when you want a red that is generous, relaxed and just a little unexpected.
Pairs with lamb kofta, grilled chicken, beef skewers, mushroom flatbread, mezze, aubergine, tomato-rich pasta, or a gently spiced stew.
If this wine were… a mood, it would be a warm evening in the Bekaa Valley, red fruit on the table, herbs in the air, and the grill just starting to smoke.

Château Oumsiyat is run by the Bou Sleiman family, whose wine heritage spans four generations. Joseph Bou Sleiman built a modern winery in Mtein, while the family’s 78-hectare vineyard sits over 1,000 metres above sea level in the Bekaa Valley, between Mount Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The estate brings together Lebanese tradition and modern winemaking, producing fresh, expressive wines with a distinctly Mediterranean feel.