Domaine de Bargylus Red 2011 Grand Vin de Syrie Latakia, Syria
Domaine de Bargylus Red 2011 Grand Vin de Syrie is the flagship wine of Syria's only commercial winery and one of the world's most extraordinary fine wines. Produced by the Johnny R. Saadé Family, this exceptional Grand Vin is grown on the limestone-rich slopes of the Jebel al Ansariyah Mountains overlooking the Mediterranean near Latakia. The unique combination of altitude, maritime influence, and mineral-rich soils gives Bargylus its unmistakable elegance, freshness, and age-worthy character.
More than simply a rare wine, Domaine de Bargylus has earned international acclaim for its consistent quality. The World Atlas of Wine describes Bargylus as "the finest wine produced in the Eastern Mediterranean," while Reuters, Fine Wine Magazine, and Wine Spectator have highlighted the remarkable achievement of producing world-class wine under extraordinary circumstances. The estate has become an enduring symbol of perseverance and excellence in modern winemaking.
The 2011 vintage is a powerful yet refined expression of the estate. The winery describes Bargylus as a wine that elegantly combines strength and refinement, with a broad aromatic range supported by fresh fruit and pronounced minerality that faithfully reflects its rocky limestone soils. The natural balance between Mediterranean sunshine, full grape maturity, and the saline influence derived from limestone creates the estate's distinctive identity and unmistakable finish.
The blend consists of:
- 60% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 20% Syrah
- 20% Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the wine, providing structure, concentration, and aging potential. Syrah contributes spice and aromatic lift, while Merlot adds richness and supple texture. The result is a beautifully balanced wine that combines power with finesse.
The vineyards are situated between 900 and 1,200 meters above sea level, planted on soils of limestone and silex (flint). The estate covers 12 hectares, with vines planted at a density of 6,250 vines per hectare. Vineyard management emphasizes sustainability through wire-trained vines, green harvesting, natural cereal cover crops, and the absence of pesticides or herbicides. Grapes are harvested entirely by hand into small crates before careful grape sorting.
In the glass, the 2011 displays a deep, intense ruby-red color. The nose reveals expressive aromas of small black fruits, accented by white pepper and delicate spice. The palate is elegant and suave, with present yet beautifully melted tannins, subtle notes of licorice, and a long finish marked by distinctive mineral freshness. The wine perfectly illustrates the estate's philosophy of combining concentration with elegance.
Today, Domaine de Bargylus stands as one of the most respected wine estates in the Eastern Mediterranean, producing wines that continue to captivate collectors, sommeliers, and critics around the world.
Tasting Notes
- Appearance - Deep, intense ruby red.
- Nose - Small black fruits, blackberry, blackcurrant, white pepper, Mediterranean spices, and subtle earthy nuances.
- Palate - Elegant and refined with concentrated dark fruit, supple texture, beautifully integrated tannins, notes of licorice, vibrant freshness, and remarkable balance.
- Finish - Long, mineral, and persistent with lingering spice and refined freshness.
Wine Style
Full-Bodied • Elegant • Structured • Mineral-Driven • Age-Worthy
A Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that balances Bordeaux-like structure with Mediterranean freshness and limestone-driven minerality.
Grape Composition
- 60% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 20% Syrah
- 20% Merlot
Vineyard & Terroir
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Country: Syria
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Region: Latakia
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Producer: Domaine de Bargylus
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Altitude: 900–1,200 meters above sea level
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Soil: Limestone & Silex (Flint)
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Vineyard Area: 12 hectares
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Planting Density: 6,250 vines/hectare
The vineyards are located on the slopes of Jebel al Ansariyah, where Mediterranean sunshine is moderated by cooling sea breezes. The limestone and silex soils impart the remarkable freshness, salinity, and mineral complexity that have become the signature of Domaine de Bargylus.
Sustainable Viticulture
The vineyards are managed with meticulous attention to environmental stewardship:
- Wire-trained vines
- Green harvesting
- No pesticides
- No herbicides
- Natural cereal cover crops between the rows
- Hand harvesting into small crates
- Careful grape sorting before vinification
These practices preserve both vineyard health and the authentic expression of the terroir.
Food Pairing
An outstanding companion for:
- Dry-aged ribeye
- Beef tenderloin
- Rack of lamb
- Roast leg of lamb
- Venison
- Duck breast
- Wild mushroom risotto
- Truffle dishes
- Braised short ribs
- Mediterranean grilled meats
- Aged Manchego
- Comté
- Parmigiano Reggiano
Its elegant tannins and mineral freshness also pair beautifully with refined Middle Eastern cuisine.
Serving Recommendations
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Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (60–65°F)
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Decanting: 1–2 hours recommended
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Cellaring: Drinking beautifully now and capable of continued development under proper cellar conditions.
Why You'll Love It
- Produced by Syria's only commercial winery
- Internationally acclaimed flagship Grand Vin
- 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 20% Merlot
- High-altitude mountain vineyards (900–1,200 meters)
- Limestone and silex soils
- Sustainably farmed estate vineyards
- Hand harvested and carefully sorted
- Rich black fruit, spice, licorice, and mineral freshness
- A rare collectible wine with exceptional provenance
- Celebrated by The World Atlas of Wine, Reuters, Fine Wine Magazine, and Wine Spectator
Technical Details
| Attribute |
Details |
| Producer |
Domaine de Bargylus |
| Wine |
Bargylus Red |
| Vintage |
2011 |
| Classification |
Grand Vin de Syrie |
| Country |
Syria |
| Region |
Latakia |
| Wine Type |
Red Wine |
| Blend |
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah, 20% Merlot |
| Alcohol |
14.6% |
| Bottle Size |
750 ml |
| Soil |
Limestone & Silex (Flint) |
| Altitude |
900–1,200 meters |
| Vineyard Area |
12 hectares |
| Density |
6,250 vines/ha |
| Vineyard Practices |
Sustainable, hand harvested, green harvesting |
| Harvest |
Hand harvested in small crates with grape sorting |