JA-B-AL de Bargylus 2019 Red Latakia Syria
JA-B-AL de Bargylus 2019 Red Latakia Syria JA-B-AL de Bargylus Red 2019 is the second wine of Domaine de Bargylus, produced by the Johnny R. Saadé Family from the same exceptional mountain vineyards that give birth to the acclaimed Grand Vin de Syrie. Crafted with the same meticulous vineyard management and uncompromising quality standards as its flagship counterpart, JA-B-AL offers a vibrant, approachable expression of the extraordinary terroir of Syria's only commercial winery. Named after the Arabic word for "mountain," JA-B-AL pays tribute to the Jebel al Ansariyah Mountains, where vineyards rise approximately 900 meters above sea level overlooking the Mediterranean coast near Latakia. These mountain vineyards benefit from cooling evening sea breezes, abundant sunshine, and mineral-rich soils of limestone, clay, and flintstone, producing wines of remarkable freshness, balance, and elegance. The 2019 vintage began with a cold, wet winter without snowfall, followed by a mild spring that encouraged healthy vine growth and uniform flowering. Summer was warm, with a brief heatwave during August, yet the Mediterranean sea breezes continually refreshed the vineyards at night. According to the winery, these conditions produced grapes with excellent concentration and beautiful balance. Harvest began on September 4 and concluded on September 30. The blend consists of: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure, cassis, and aging potential, while Syrah adds aromatic complexity, spice, and a supple texture. The wine is matured for 6 to 8 months in French oak, with 20% new barrels and the balance divided equally among one-, two-, three-, and four-year-old barrels. This gentle oak aging enhances complexity while allowing the purity of the fruit and the vineyard's mineral identity to shine. The winery describes JA-B-AL as "elegant and mineral," produced according to the same qualitative criteria as its "older brother," Domaine de Bargylus. The wine presents a youthful appearance with deep purple reflections. Aromas of black fruit intertwine with black olive tapenade, while the palate is rich, supple, and energetic, finishing with refined notes of noble pepper and lingering minerality. The name JA-B-AL also reflects the history of the region. The winery notes that Mount Bargylus was richly covered with vineyards during the Greco-Roman era, continuing a viticultural heritage that stretches back thousands of years. For wine lovers discovering the wines of Domaine de Bargylus, JA-B-AL offers an outstanding introduction to the estate's philosophy—combining Mediterranean freshness, mountain-grown fruit, and elegant French winemaking in a wine that is approachable in its youth while retaining impressive structure and character. Tasting Notes Appearance - Deep ruby with youthful purple reflections. Nose - Blackberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, black olive tapenade, cracked black pepper, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle oak spice. Palate - Rich, supple, and energetic with concentrated dark fruit, balanced acidity, refined tannins, and elegant mineral freshness. Finish - Long, vibrant, and polished with lingering pepper, black fruit, and mineral complexity. Wine Style Full-Bodied • Elegant • Mineral-Driven • Mediterranean Red A Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend that combines generous fruit, vibrant freshness, and refined structure with the distinctive mineral signature of Syria's coastal mountain vineyards. Grape Composition 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Syrah Vineyard & Terroir Country: Syria Region: Latakia Producer: Domaine de Bargylus Wine: JA-B-AL de Bargylus Altitude: 900 meters above sea level Soil: Limestone, clay & flintstone Vineyard Area: 12 hectares Vine Age: 16–20 years Planting Density: 6,250 vines/hectare Yield: 30 hl/ha The vineyards lie on the slopes of Jebel al Ansariyah, where Mediterranean sunshine is tempered by cooling sea breezes. The limestone, clay, and flintstone soils contribute freshness, salinity, and the distinctive mineral character that defines every wine from Domaine de Bargylus. Winemaking The vineyards are farmed using sustainable practices that reflect the estate's commitment to quality: Wire-trained vines Green harvesting No pesticides No herbicides Natural cereal cover crops between the rows Hand harvesting in 10 kg crates Double sorting before vinification The wine is matured for 6 to 8 months in French oak: 20% new French oak 20% one-year-old barrels 20% two-year-old barrels 20% three-year-old barrels 20% four-year-old barrels This restrained oak regimen enhances texture and complexity while preserving freshness and terroir expression. Food Pairing Excellent with: Grilled ribeye steak Beef tenderloin Lamb chops Roast leg of lamb Beef kebabs Duck breast Wild mushroom dishes Chargrilled vegetables Mediterranean lamb dishes Syrian and Lebanese cuisine Manchego Comté Aged Gouda Its supple tannins and vibrant acidity make it particularly versatile with grilled meats and herb-driven Mediterranean dishes. Serving Recommendations Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (60–65°F) Decanting: 30–60 minutes recommended Cellaring: Enjoy now through the early 2030s for optimal freshness and complexity. Why You'll Love It Produced by Syria's only commercial winery Second wine of the internationally acclaimed Domaine de Bargylus Crafted using the same vineyard philosophy and quality standards as the flagship wine High-altitude Mediterranean vineyards 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah 6–8 months in French oak Elegant balance of black fruit, olive tapenade, pepper, and minerality Sustainably farmed and hand harvested Outstanding introduction to the wines of Domaine de Bargylus Technical Details Attribute Details Producer Domaine de Bargylus Wine JA-B-AL de Bargylus Red Vintage 2019 Country Syria Region Latakia Wine Type Red Wine Blend 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah Alcohol 14% Bottle Size 750 ml Soil Limestone, clay & flintstone Altitude 900 meters Vineyard Area 12 hectares Vine Age 16–20 years Density 6,250 vines/ha Yield 30 hl/ha Oak Aging 6–8 months in French oak Harvest Hand harvested with double sorting