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Domaine de Bargylus 2017 Red Grand Vin de Syrie Latakia, Syria

Domaine de Bargylus Red 2017 is one of the world's most remarkable fine wines—a Grand Vin de Syrie that has become an international symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and terroir. Produced by the Johnny R. Saadé family, Bargylus is grown on the limestone-rich slopes of the Jebel al Ansariyah Mountains near Latakia, where Mediterranean sea breezes, high elevation, and ancient soils create one of the Middle East's most distinctive vineyard sites.

Domaine de Bargylus has earned worldwide recognition despite being produced during extraordinarily difficult circumstances. The Saadé family has continued to manage the estate remotely while maintaining uncompromising standards, making Bargylus not only an exceptional wine but also one of the most inspiring stories in modern viticulture. Andrew Jefford of Decanter described the wines as having "a story beyond parallel" and praised their consistency despite the challenges of production.

The 2017 vintage is a classic expression of Bargylus' mountain terroir. Following a mild winter and an early spring, warm but balanced growing conditions, moderated by cooling Mediterranean sea breezes, allowed the grapes to reach full maturity while preserving freshness and concentration. Harvest began on September 4 and concluded on October 4, producing fruit with outstanding balance and intensity.

The blend consists of:

• 55% Syrah
• 25% Merlot
• 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Each variety contributes its own personality: Syrah provides spice, floral aromatics, and structure; Merlot brings richness and texture; Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth, freshness, and age-worthy tannins. The wine is matured for 10–12 months in French oak, with 20% new barrels and the remainder divided equally among one-, two-, three-, and four-year-old casks, allowing the fruit and terroir to remain the focus.

Deep ruby in color, the wine opens with an expressive bouquet of forest fruits, black olives, and fine pepper, accompanied by elegant floral notes reminiscent of peony. The palate is powerful yet remarkably refined, combining concentrated dark fruit with mineral freshness, silky tannins, and exceptional energy. The limestone-rich soils impart a distinct saline character that gives the wine its unmistakable identity and remarkable length.

The quality of Bargylus has been recognized by some of the world's leading wine authorities. The World Atlas of Wine describes Bargylus as "the finest wine produced in the Eastern Mediterranean" and notes that it is arguably the region's most surprising wine, produced from Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon near the ancient Roman city of Antioch.

Although reviewing the 2016 vintage, Jancis Robinson MW awarded Bargylus Red 17/20, praising its balance, rich spice, altitude-grown character, and aging potential, observations that reinforce the consistent quality of the estate across vintages.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance - Deep ruby with dark crimson reflections.
• Aromas - Forest fruits, blackberry, black olive, cracked black pepper, violet, peony, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle spice.
• Palate - Powerful and beautifully balanced, with layers of black fruit, plum, black cherry, spice, mineral freshness, refined oak, and silky tannins.
• Finish - Long, elegant, and energetic, with lingering pepper, dark fruit, floral notes, and distinctive mineral salinity.

Wine Style

Full-Bodied • Elegant • Age-Worthy • Mineral-Driven • Mediterranean Red

This is a wine that combines Rhône-inspired Syrah character with Bordeaux structure while expressing a uniquely Syrian terroir.

Grape Composition

• 55% Syrah
• 25% Merlot
• 20% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard & Terroir

• Country: Syria
• Region: Latakia
• Estate: Domaine de Bargylus
• Altitude: 900 meters above sea level
• Soil: Limestone, clay, and flintstone
• Vineyard Area: 12 hectares
• Vine Age: 16–20 years
• Planting Density: 6,250 vines/hectare
• Yield: 30 hl/ha

The vineyards benefit from Mediterranean sea breezes that cool the vines during the night, preserving acidity while allowing excellent ripening. Limestone and flint soils contribute freshness, minerality, and the characteristic saline finish that distinguishes Bargylus.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand into 10 kg crates before undergoing double sorting.

The vineyards are managed sustainably using:

• Wire-trained vines
• Green harvesting
• No pesticides
• No herbicides
• Natural cereal cover crops between the rows

The wine is matured for 10–12 months in French oak, including:

• 20% new barrels
• 20% one-year-old barrels
• 20% two-year-old barrels
• 20% three-year-old barrels
• 20% four-year-old barrels

This restrained oak regime enhances texture and complexity while preserving the purity of the fruit and the expression of the vineyard.

Food Pairing

Outstanding with:

• Dry-aged ribeye
• Beef tenderloin
• Rack of lamb
• Lamb shank
• Venison
• Roast duck
• Wild mushroom dishes
• Slow-braised beef
• Beef Wellington
• Truffle dishes
• Aged Manchego
• Comté
• Parmigiano Reggiano

Its combination of concentration, freshness, and mineral structure also complements refined Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Serving Recommendations

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (60–65°F)

Decanting: 1–2 hours recommended

Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar through the mid-2030s for additional complexity.

Why You'll Love It

• The only wine coming from Syria
• Produced by the Johnny R. Saadé family
• Internationally acclaimed by Decanter, Jancis Robinson MW, and The World Atlas of Wine
• High-altitude mountain vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean
• Blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Limestone, clay, and flint soils create remarkable minerality
• French oak maturation for elegance rather than dominance
• Hand harvested with meticulous sorting
• Exceptional aging potential
• A rare collectible wine with an extraordinary story

Technical Details