Bejko Përmeti Merlot
Kantina Bejko / Përmet (Southern Albania)
The Sunny Southern Valley Smooth
Rich ruby red color. The nose is bold and uniquely sweet-toned for a dry red, showcasing aromas of ripe dark cherries, goji berries, and brown sugar, backed by stewed plums and a hint of tobacco oak. Medium-to-full bodied and round on the palate with soft, velvety tannins and a smooth finish.
⭐⭐ (It carries a generous punch from that hot southern sun, so pace yourself if you're drinking it on a warm evening).
Grilled lamb chops, slow-cooked beef stews, rich pasta dishes, or aged sheep's milk cheeses.
If you think you know Merlot, this Albanian bottle will throw you for a loop. Because the Përmet region gets an incredible amount of sun, the grapes get beautifully ripe, giving the wine this wild, almost liqueur-like aromatic backdrop of dark cherries and brown sugar while remaining completely dry on the palate. It skips the sharp, green edge of cool-climate Merlots and goes straight for smooth, rustic, sun-baked fruit comfort. It’s an awesome bottle to split over a heavy local dinner.