Ch. Marsyas Rouge 2017

Château Marsyas Red 2017 is the flagship Bordeaux-inspired red from the Johnny R. Saadé family in the Bekaa Valley, produced with consulting from Bordeaux oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt.

Profile Overview

• Producer: Château Marsyas (Karim & Sandro Saadé)

• Region: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon (~900–1,000 meters altitude)

• Blend: Bordeaux-centric blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, supported by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

• Terroir: Iron-rich red clay over limestone bedrock.

• Vinification: Hand-harvested, gravity-fed winery, gentle extraction (pigeage), and aged for 12–14 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Profile

• Nose: Intense and layered, opening with cassis, wild strawberry, and dark plum. Secondary aromas bring leather, sweet tobacco, cracked black pepper, liquorice, and grilled meat.

• Palate & Structure: Full-bodied and dense with ripe, chalky, well-coated tannins. The high altitude of Bekaa keeps the 15% ABV balanced with a vibrant vein of fresh acidity that runs straight through the mid-palate.

• Finish: Long, structured, and savory, with lingering notes of dark cocoa, cedar, and an iron-like mineral salinity.

Serving Suggestions

• Service Temperature: 16–18°C. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving helps open up the tight tannin structure and release the savory spice notes.

• Pairings: Roast lamb leg with herbs, grilled ribeye steak, venison, rich beef stews, or hard aged cheeses.