Key takeaways: Syria's only private wine estate, Bargylus revives millennial terroir despite war challenges. This family perseverance results in world-renowned vintages, qualified as best in eastern Mediterranean. To savor this excellence, find Domaine de Bargylus wines.
Is it conceivable to maintain excellent viticulture at conflict zone heart? Domaine Bargylus takes up this daily challenge by establishing itself as Syria's only private vineyard. We'll discover how Saadé family perpetuates this millennial know-how and produces recognized wines despite surrounding instability.
- Syrian terroir charged with history
- Saadé family: resilience at project heart
- Excellence wines to international recognition
Syrian terroir charged with history
Mount Bargylus forgotten slopes
Domaine de Bargylus stands in Syria, clinging to Mount Bargylus slopes, close to Latakia. It's, rare fact, Syria's only private wine estate in operation.
Here, vine isn't novelty; it roots in Hellenistic and Roman eras, close to ancient Laodicea. Saadé family awakens thus millennial tradition on these Latakia lands.
Exceptional soil and altitude
Perched at 900 meters, vineyard benefits from unexpected freshness for region. This altitude imposes slow and perfectly balanced ripening on grapes, avoiding heat excesses.
Under vines, limestone soils are found, rich in flint and clay. This specific geology forces root to draw its resources, guaranteeing natural drainage and beautiful minerality.
Briefly, these unique conditions sculpt wines with strong and singular identity.
Saadé family: resilience at project heart
Modern renaissance driven by family
This renewal is Saadé family work, led by Johnny and his sons, Karim and Sandro. They planted first vines in 2003 on this historic terroir. Domaine Bargylus first vintage came out in 2006. It was beginning of bold adventure.
Their expertise doesn't come from nowhere. Family also owns Château Marsyas in Lebanon, another highly reputed vineyard. This establishes their wine-making know-how in region.
Producing in conflict zone: permanent challenge
Since 2011, difficult context imposes remote management from Beirut. Yet, activity never stops.
Logistical obstacles are daily for team, which must constantly adapt:
- Management by phone and videoconference.
- Sending grape samples by taxi to Beirut.
- Maintaining production despite risks.
Saadé family resilience commands respect in wine world. It's true tour de force.
Despite chaos and repeated bombings on vineyards, no harvest has been missed since conflict beginning, incredible perseverance symbol.
Excellence wines to international recognition
This stubbornness to produce at all costs would make no sense if result weren't up to standard. Fortunately, Bargylus wines conquered world.
Estate's flagship cuvées
Domaine Bargylus offers thoroughbred reds and whites, expressing all singular minerality of their limestone terroir.
| Cuvée | Color | Grape Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| Domaine de Bargylus Rouge | Red | Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
| Domaine de Bargylus Blanc | White | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc |
Domaine de Bargylus Rouge 2016 and Domaine de Bargylus Blanc 2016 establish themselves today as estate's spearheads.
Discover all Domaine de Bargylus wines available.
Success praised by critics
Vintage precision rests on world-renowned consulting oenologist Stéphane Derenoncourt expertise, true quality guarantee.
Wine is undoubtedly best in eastern Mediterranean.
This verdict is signed by famous critic Jancis Robinson. Recognition that boosts export of approximately 45,000 bottles per year, making these Syrian wines essential world reference.
Beyond undeniable quality of its cuvées, Domaine de Bargylus embodies remarkable perseverance. By reviving this millennial terroir despite conflict, Saadé family offers world unique wine. This wine adventure testifies that excellence can emerge even in most difficult contexts.FAQ
What is Syrian wine from Domaine de Bargylus?
Domaine de Bargylus represents Syria's only private wine estate. Located on Mount Bargylus slopes, near ancient city of Laodicea (Latakia), this vineyard draws its strength from limestone terroir at 900 meters altitude. This wine's history is one of renaissance: Saadé family relaunched viticulture on these history-laden lands in 2003, reconnecting with millennial tradition dating back to Hellenistic and Roman eras.
Despite Syrian conflict beginning in 2011, production continued without interruption, becoming resilience symbol. Owners, Karim and Sandro Saadé, manage estate remotely from Beirut, braving logistical challenges to offer red wine and white wine today praised by international critics.
What grape varieties does Domaine de Bargylus use?
To create its cuvées, estate favors international grape varieties perfectly adapting to Syrian mountain's fresh and limestone terroir. Red wine, powerful and structured, is born from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot blend. These varieties fully flourish to offer wines with remarkable aromatic complexity.
As for white wine, it distinguishes itself through its freshness and minerality. It comes from harmonious marriage between Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. This rigorous selection, orchestrated with consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt help, allows producing wines with strong and elegant identity.
Does Domaine de Bargylus rank among world's best wines?
Although difficult establishing universal ranking, Domaine de Bargylus establishes itself as essential reference in its category. Famous critic Jancis Robinson qualified this vintage as "undoubtedly best wine in eastern Mediterranean". This prestigious recognition places estate among region's wine elite.
With approximately 45,000 bottles exported annually to about thirty countries, this Syrian wine conquered enthusiasts tables worldwide. Its consistent quality, maintained despite war trials and export difficulties, testifies to exceptional know-how recognized far beyond Syrian borders.
