IXSIR – EL Red

Description

Reviewed by Noel Wehbe
Winery & Terroir :
EL Red is made by IXSIR, whose winery sits in Basbina, a hillside village in the Batroun district of northern Lebanon. Their vineyards stretch across several high-altitude sites – from Basbina at ~400 m to peaks reaching ~1 800 m (like Ainata) planted on clay-calcareous, limestone, and stony soils. This altitude and terroir give their wines freshness, structure, and a precise aromatic profile.
Tasting Note :
Color: Deep garnet with rich ruby hues.
Nose: Black cherry, blackberry and dark plum with touches of cedar, graphite, warm spices and mocha.
Palate: Full-bodied, elegant, with velvety tannins. Flavors of dark fruit, licorice and cocoa, complemented by subtle oak. The finish is long, structured and balanced by a mountain freshness.
Pairing: Pairs perfectly with grilled ribeye, slow-braised beef cheek, roasted lamb shoulder, or duck confit. For cheese, go with aged Gouda, Comté or a nutty Gruyère to match its richness.