# Farha Apple & Grape Wine (2024)

- **Producer:** Heya Wines
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Merwah
- **Region:** North Lebanon, Lebanon
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, blossom, lemon, orange, biscuit

## About this wine

Heya Wines was founded in 2022 by winemakers Claudine Lteif and Michelle Chami in North Lebanon. The project's name, 'Heya' ('She' in Arabic), highlights its dedication to female empowerment and ensuring fair compensation for female vineyard workers, including Syrian refugee women. 'Farha' translates to 'Joy'. The fruit is cultivated in high-altitude mountain plots at 1,500 meters elevation in Wadi Annoubine, using low-yielding, ancient Merwah bush vines estimated to be 150 years old.

## Interesting facts

- 'Farha' translates to 'Joy' in Arabic, celebrating winemaking and female strength.
- Heya Wines was established to guarantee equal pay for female Syrian refugee vineyard workers.
- Bottle labels feature raw, unedited smartphone photos taken of the female workers during harvest.
- Combines 150-year-old ancient Merwah bush vines with carbonic-macerated Red Delicious apples.

## Food pairing

The crisp acidity and subtle skin-contact structure of this natural co-ferment complement light proteins, citrus elements, and fresh Mediterranean herbs. The balance of acidity cuts through oily fish and roasted poultry while enhancing delicate fruit nuances.

## Wine making process

This wine is an artisanal co-ferment of 80% Merwah grapes and 20% local Red Delicious apples. The Merwah grapes undergo approximately one week of skin maceration, while whole Red Delicious apples undergo carbonic maceration. Ambient co-fermentation takes place using native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by natural malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged in stainless steel and bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions.