Marsyas Castle

Inserted in a strong oriental tradition, the Johnny R. Saadé family draws from its roots
levantines, the passion for challenges, including the rebirth of ancient vineyards
from the East.

The Saadé family is a typical representative of Levantine syncretism with roots in
ancient coastal city of Laodicea (modern Latakia), as well as Antioch, Alexandria,
Tripoli (Lebanon) and Mount Lebanon. Its mercantile and landowning roots go back to the
18th and 19th centuries, with prominent representatives such as Gabriel Saadé (1854-1939)
and Rodolphe Saadé (1900-1956).

It was Johnny R. Saadé, son of Rodolphe, who developed navigation and other
transport activities in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and France before returning to
family's agricultural roots through wine production in Lebanon and Syria.

Marsyas is the ancient name of the Bekaa Valley situated between Mount Lebanon and Anti-
Lebanon. The name derives from the famous Phrygian satyr who symbolized man's freedom.
before the gods.

Marsyas also came to symbolize the freedom of the ancient autonomous cities.

The terroir in the traditional Bekaa Valley, where the soil is red – evidence of iron –
which, together with white stones, forms a clay-limestone growing medium well
adapted to the vineyard. It is the limestone that gives the Lebanese terroir its special character and
adds something to the classic aromas of each variety. Here the normal flavors of
plum notes in Merlot tend towards truffles. The currant aroma in Cabernet Sauvignon
approaches notes of albardeira rose.