These are the natural wines from outside the US that we keep reaching for. A lot of them come from Lebanon and Greece, where small growers are bringing native grapes like Merwah, Xinomavro and Santameriana back into the spotlight, plus a few French and Italian bottles we can't stop drinking.
Lebanon is led by Mersel Wine: Phoenix Skin-Contact, the Elevate Merwah Amber, Red Velvet (a light Cinsault) and the LebNat PetNat Gold and Rosé for bubbles. From Greece, Sant'Or's Santameriana Amphora is a textured orange wine, and Vaimaki Family's Popolka Red is a zero/zero Xinomavro. From France, Domaine Hughes-Béguet's Jeu de Rolle is a deep orange wine for a special night.
Pour the orange wines cool, not cold, and put out some mezze, olives and bread. You'll get it.
