Overview
Latakia is home to Domaine de Bargylus, Syria's only internationally exported private wine estate, founded by the Saade family in 2003 on the slopes of the Jabal Ansarrieh range. At around 900 meters above sea level, the vineyards catch cooling breezes from the Mediterranean while enjoying wide day-night temperature swings. Roman writers already praised the wines of ancient Mount Bargylus, and carved stone vats at the mountain's foot testify to a viticultural tradition thousands of years old.
The estate's poor clay-limestone and flint soils stress the vines into producing small, concentrated berries. The flagship red blends Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, while the white combines Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Beyond the single estate, coastal hills and inland valleys throughout the governorate support olive groves, orchards, and scattered vineyards on gently sloping terrain.
Key Varietals
- SyrahThe signature red of Latakia's high slopes, giving dark fruit, spice, and saline freshness from the limestone-flint soils.
- Cabernet SauvignonA structured Bordeaux variety that builds cassis and firm tannins at altitude with maritime cooling.
- MerlotA supple red that softens blends with plum and cherry fruit from the clay-limestone plateau.
- ChardonnayA Burgundian white that ripens slowly at 900 meters, yielding citrus and stone fruit with bright acidity.