Château Marsyas

Château Marsyas was established in 2007 by the Saadé family, with the first vintage released that same year. The name derives from the ancient Greek designation of the Bekaa Valley during Hellenistic times, connecting the estate to a winemaking history that stretches back millennia. The property sits in the villages of Kefraya and Tell Dnoub in the southern Bekaa Valley, roughly 60 kilometers from Beirut. The Saadé family, led by Johnny R. Saadé, Karim Saadé, and Sandro Saadé, also owns Domaine de Bargylus in Syria, cementing their reputation as serious players in Levantine fine wine.

• First vintage produced in 2007; vineyards planted from 2005 to 2012
• Name references the ancient Greek name for the Bekaa Valley in Hellenistic times
• Located in Kefraya and Tell Dnoub villages, southern Bekaa Valley
• The Saadé family also owns Domaine de Bargylus in Syria

The 60-hectare estate sits at elevations between 900 and 990 meters on slopes oriented toward the Mediterranean Sea. The climate is Mediterranean in character, with dry summers and cool nights that preserve acidity and extend the growing season. Soils are red clay-limestone studded with white stones, a combination that delivers both structure and minerality to the wines. This limestone terroir is credited with imparting a distinctive character that sets Château Marsyas apart from lower-elevation Bekaa producers.

• 60 hectares at 900 to 990 meters elevation on Mediterranean-facing slopes
• Red clay-limestone soils with white stones throughout the vineyard
• Mediterranean climate with dry summers and cool nights
• Sustainable farming practices across all vineyard blocks

The estate grows a classic Bordeaux lineup of red varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. For whites, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated. The flagship red blend is composed of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. The white Marsyas Blanc combines Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. All grapes are hand-picked and pass through a dual sorting process, first in the vineyard and again at the winery, ensuring only the highest quality fruit reaches the cellar. Winemaking is guided by Bordeaux consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt.

• Flagship red: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Marsyas Blanc is a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
• Hand-picked grapes sorted twice: once in the vineyard, once at the winery
• Consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt shapes the winemaking approach

Château Marsyas produces full-bodied red and white wines strongly influenced by the classical Bordeaux style. The estate is regarded as one of Lebanon's benchmark producers, combining international winemaking expertise with the unique conditions of the high-altitude Bekaa Valley. The combination of limestone soils, cool nights, and meticulous sorting results in wines with structure, freshness, and aging potential that distinguish them within the Lebanese fine wine category.

• Classified as a premium Lebanese wine estate
• Bordeaux-influenced style with full-bodied reds and structured whites
• High elevation and limestone terroir contribute to freshness and complexity
• Regarded as a benchmark producer in the Lebanese fine wine scene