Wines Safita Château Château - Graham Beck

This non-vintage red wine from the Safita region in Syria, labelled under “Château Château”, presents an intriguing blend known as “Cuvée Graham Beck”. While the specific grape varieties involved are not firmly established from the information available, one can anticipate a style leaning towards a dry red, which is characteristic for the region’s traditional winemaking approach. The reference to ‘cuvée’ and the association with an internationally recognised term like 'Graham Beck' suggests perhaps a focus on blending to achieve stylistic harmony, possibly balancing ripe fruit, moderate tannins, and freshness. Vinification in this part of the world often combines ancient tradition with modern touches, suggesting either neutral vessels or gentle oak aging to preserve fruit expression and structure.

Safita, located in western Syria near the Mediterranean coast, benefits from a unique terroir influenced by its proximity to the sea and the protective hills inland. The region’s climate is typically Mediterranean with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. This climate promotes the healthy and balanced ripening of grapes, allowing for reds with good concentration and a lively backbone. The soils in Safita are often clay-limestone, providing both moisture retention for the vines and beneficial stress, typically resulting in wines of character and depth. Historically, Syria boasts one of the oldest viticultural heritages in the world, where ancient winemaking meets pockets of recent revival and innovation.

For food pairings, a dry red wine from Safita would complement well-spiced Syrian and Levantine cuisine. Consider lamb shawarma or slow-cooked tagines, and dishes with roasted aubergines, cumin, and mint. The wine’s structure would also work with grilled meats or spiced lentil stews, and regional cheeses such as shanklish.

When serving, it’s best to pour this red at a temperature of around 16–18°C, which will highlight both its fruit notes and any subtle earthy undertones. If possible, decant the wine for about 30 minutes to allow its aromas to fully open before enjoying with your meal.