B-Qā de Marsyas White 2020 Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
B-Qā de Marsyas White 2020 is a vibrant, refreshing white wine from the renowned Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, produced by the Johnny R. Saadé family at Château Marsyas. Crafted from younger vines grown on the same estate vineyards as the flagship Château Marsyas wines, B-Qā is designed to express freshness, elegance, and the remarkable minerality of Lebanon's high-altitude terroir.
Made from 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Chardonnay, this unoaked white combines the aromatic intensity and crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc with the texture and balance of Chardonnay. The result is a bright, fruit-driven wine that showcases the purity of the Bekaa Valley's red clay and limestone soils.
The vineyards sit at approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) above sea level, where warm Mediterranean days are balanced by cool mountain nights. These conditions allow the grapes to ripen fully while preserving natural acidity and aromatic freshness. The estate follows sustainable vineyard practices, including wire-trained vines, green harvesting, hand harvesting in small 10 kg crates, double sorting, and cultivation without pesticides or weed-killers. Cereal crops are planted between the vine rows to naturally improve soil structure and biodiversity.
According to the winery, B-Qā de Marsyas White is produced from the younger parcels of the Château Marsyas estate using the same philosophy and meticulous attention to detail as its flagship wines. Rather than emphasizing oak influence, the wine focuses on elegant freshness, lively acidity, and mineral finesse, making it exceptionally versatile at the table.
The 2020 vintage benefited from a cold, rainy winter that replenished the vineyards, followed by a mild spring with early budbreak and uniform flowering. June and July brought moderate warmth, while August experienced higher temperatures without compromising fruit quality. The harvest began with Chardonnay on August 21 and concluded with Mourvèdre on September 21, producing beautifully balanced grapes with excellent maturity.
In the glass, the wine displays a translucent pale yellow hue. The nose is clean and expressive, offering aromas of apple and white fruits. On the palate, the balance is defined by vibrant freshness, bright acidity, and the subtle bitterness of pomelo, creating a crisp, elegant finish that invites another sip.
For wine lovers seeking an approachable yet refined Lebanese white, B-Qā de Marsyas White 2020 offers exceptional value and a distinctive expression of one of the Middle East's finest wine regions.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance - Translucent pale yellow with brilliant clarity.
- Aromas - Fresh apple, pear, white peach, citrus blossom, and delicate white fruit aromas.
- Palate - Fresh and vibrant with crisp acidity, flavors of orchard fruit and citrus, excellent minerality, and a pleasant touch of pomelo bitterness that adds complexity.
- Finish - Clean, refreshing, and elegant with lingering citrus and mineral notes.
Wine Style
Dry • Fresh • Crisp • Mineral-Driven • Unoaked
B-Qā White emphasizes purity of fruit and freshness rather than oak influence, making it an ideal white for warm weather, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Grape Composition
- 80% Sauvignon Blanc
- 20% Chardonnay
Vineyard & Terroir
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Country: Lebanon
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Region: Bekaa Valley
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Producer: Château Marsyas
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Altitude: 1,000 meters above sea level
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Soil: Red clay & limestone
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Vineyard Area: 65 hectares planted
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Vine Age: 8–10 years
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Planting Density: 6,250 vines/hectare
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Yield: 45 hl/ha
The combination of high altitude, limestone-rich soils, and warm days with cool evenings allows the grapes to achieve outstanding aromatic expression while maintaining freshness and natural acidity.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested entirely by hand into small 10 kg crates and undergo double sorting before vinification.
Unlike many premium white wines, B-Qā White undergoes no oak ageing, preserving its vibrant fruit, crisp acidity, and mineral character.
The vineyards are managed sustainably with:
- Wire-trained vines
- Green harvesting
- No pesticides
- No weed-killers
- Natural cover crops between the rows
Food Pairing
B-Qā White is exceptionally versatile and pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant cuisine.
Perfect with:
- Oysters
- Shrimp
- Lobster
- Grilled sea bass
- Branzino
- Sushi and sashimi
- Grilled octopus
- Mediterranean salads
- Goat cheese
- Burrata
- Lemon herb chicken
- Fresh herbs and vegetables
- Lebanese mezze
- Grilled halloumi
Its bright acidity and citrus character also make it an excellent aperitif wine.
Serving Recommendations
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Serving Temperature: 8–10°C (46–50°F)
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Decanting: Not necessary
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Drink Window: Enjoy now through 2027 for maximum freshness.
Why You'll Love It
- Premium Lebanese white wine from the Bekaa Valley
- Crafted by the Johnny R. Saadé family
- Made from younger Château Marsyas estate vineyards
- High-altitude vineyards at 1,000 meters
- 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay
- Unoaked for maximum freshness
- Crisp acidity with elegant minerality
- Sustainable vineyard practices
- Excellent seafood and Mediterranean food wine
- Outstanding value introduction to Château Marsyas
Technical Details
| Attribute |
Details |
| Producer |
Château Marsyas |
| Wine |
B-Qā de Marsyas White |
| Vintage |
2020 |
| Country |
Lebanon |
| Region |
Bekaa Valley |
| Wine Type |
White Wine |
| Blend |
80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay |
| Alcohol |
13.5% |
| Bottle Size |
750 ml |
| Soil |
Red clay & limestone |
| Altitude |
1,000 meters |
| Vine Age |
8–10 years |
| Vineyard Area |
65 hectares |
| Density |
6,250 vines/ha |
| Yield |
45 hl/ha |
| Oak |
None |
| Harvest |
Hand harvested with double sorting |
