B-Qā de Marsyas Red 2020 Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
B-Qā de Marsyas Red 2020 is a polished, full-bodied Lebanese red produced by Château Marsyas from younger parcels of its estate in the Bekaa Valley. Made with the same philosophy and attention to detail as the flagship Château Marsyas, B-Qā offers an approachable yet serious expression of the estate’s high-altitude terroir.
The 2020 blend is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, and 20% Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and depth, Syrah contributes spice and dark-fruit intensity, and Merlot adds roundness and suppleness. The wine is matured for eight months in French oak, divided equally among new barrels, one-year-old barrels, and two-year-old barrels.
The vineyards lie at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level on red clay and limestone soils. The younger vines used for B-Qā range from 8 to 10 years old, with a planting density of 6,250 vines per hectare and a yield of 35 hectoliters per hectare. Grapes are harvested by hand into small 10-kilogram crates and undergo double sorting before vinification.
The estate describes B-Qā as a high-quality wine originating from the same vineyard as Château Marsyas and produced according to the same qualitative criteria. Its identity centers on finesse, minerality, and rounded tannins developed through gentle barrel aging.
The 2020 vintage followed a cold, rainy winter that replenished vineyard water reserves. Spring brought mild temperatures and humidity, encouraging early and uniform flowering. June and July were moderately warm, while August brought higher temperatures without damaging the grapes. Harvest began on August 21 with Chardonnay and concluded on September 21 with Mourvèdre. According to the winery, the grapes achieved beautiful, balanced maturity.
In the glass, B-Qā de Marsyas Red 2020 offers a refined nose with delicate notes of forest fruits. The palate is spherical and generous, with a pleasingly supple texture, rounded tannins, and a dynamic, polished finish. The combination of ripe fruit, spice, gentle oak, and mineral freshness makes it an excellent introduction to modern Lebanese fine wine.
Independent coverage of the vintage also confirms the 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, and 20% Merlot composition and describes the wine as full-bodied, spicy, refined, and supported by rounded tannins.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with a concentrated core.
Aromas: Forest berries, blackberry, cassis, plum, subtle florals, pepper, and gentle oak spice.
Palate: Full-bodied, rounded, and supple, with ripe dark fruit, balanced freshness, polished tannins, and a smooth, spherical texture.
Finish: Dynamic and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, spice, minerality, and refined oak.
Wine Style
A full-bodied, fruit-driven, and polished Lebanese red with rounded tannins, Mediterranean ripeness, and balanced French-oak influence.
Grape Composition
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 30% Syrah
- 20% Merlot
Vineyard and Terrior
-
Region: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
- Soil: Red clay and limestone
- Altitude: 1,000 meters above sea level
- Planted Vineyard Area: 65 hectares
- Vine Age: 8–10 years
- Planting Density: 6,250 vines per hectare
- Yield: 35 hl/ha
The estate uses wire-trained vines and green harvesting. According to the winery, no pesticides or weed-killers are used. Cereal crops are planted between the rows to aerate the soil and add organic matter and beneficial bacteria.
Winemaking and Maturation
The grapes are harvested by hand in small 10-kilogram crates and undergo double sorting.
The wine is matured for eight months in French oak:
-
One-third in new barrels
-
One-third in one-year-old barrels
-
One-third in two-year-old barrels
This measured oak program helps soften the tannins and add complexity while preserving the fruit and mineral identity of the wine.
Food Pairing
B-Qā de Marsyas Red 2020 pairs especially well with:
-
Grilled lamb chops
-
Roasted leg of lamb
-
Beef tenderloin
-
Ribeye steak
-
Braised short ribs
-
Beef or lamb kebabs
-
Lebanese mixed grill
-
Roast duck
-
Venison
-
Mushroom dishes
-
Aged cheeses
Its full body and rounded tannins make it a natural match for grilled meats, slow-cooked dishes, and richly seasoned Mediterranean cuisine.
Serving Recommendations
Serving temperature: 16–18°C / 60–65°F
Decanting: Approximately 30–60 minutes
Bottle size: 750 mL
Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
Why You'll Love It
B-Qā de Marsyas Red 2020 combines the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, the spice of Syrah, and the softness of Merlot in a generous, balanced red. It is made from younger Château Marsyas vineyard parcels using the same quality-focused philosophy as the estate’s flagship wine, making it an excellent entry point into premium Lebanese wine.
