# Château Marsyas Rouge (2016)

- **Producer:** Château Marsyas
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot
- **Region:** Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.6%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, blackcurrant, liquorice, vanilla, cedar, cinnamon, nutmeg

## About this wine

Château Marsyas is a distinguished Lebanese winery, a family initiative founded by the Saadé family, who are also behind the renowned Domaine de Bargylus in Syria. Located in the southern part of the Bekaa Valley, the estate benefits from high-altitude vineyards situated at approximately 900 meters. This elevation creates a unique microclimate with significant diurnal temperature variations, crucial for developing balanced acidity and complex flavors in the grapes. Brothers Karim and Sandro Saadé collaborate with the celebrated French oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt, whose expertise brings a refined, Bordeaux-inspired approach to their winemaking. The blend of classic Bordeaux varieties with Syrah contributes to the wine's distinctive character, making it a standout expression from the Bekaa Valley.

## Interesting facts

- Château Marsyas is a sister winery to Domaine de Bargylus in Syria, both owned by the Saadé family.
- The vineyards are situated at a high altitude of 900 meters in the Bekaa Valley, creating a unique microclimate.
- Renowned French oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt consults, bringing a refined, Bordeaux-inspired approach.
- The 2016 vintage has received critical acclaim, scoring 90/100.

## Food pairing

This full-bodied red wine, with its powerful tannins and rich dark fruit profile, excels when paired with substantial, savory dishes. The wine's robust structure and tannins are perfectly suited to cut through the richness and fat of grilled meats and hearty stews, creating a harmonious balance. The dark fruit and spice notes in the wine complement the savory, umami flavors found in these dishes and aged cheeses, enhancing the overall dining experience.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process at Château Marsyas begins with meticulous hand-harvesting of the grapes, followed by careful sorting to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise management of the process and preservation of the fruit's inherent characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an aging period of 12 to 14 months in French oak barrels. This oak maturation contributes to the wine's structure, complexity, and integration of flavors, culminating in a polished and age-worthy red wine.