2020 Jaspe Rouge, Château Oumsiyat

The Bekaa Valley Jasper Red

This is Lebanese red wine with a Southern French accent and a warm Bekaa Valley soul. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault, it opens with wild red berries, black cherry, plum and bramble, followed by black pepper, dried herbs, earth and gentle spice. It feels ripe and generous, but not heavy, with altitude giving freshness to the fruit.

The palate is fleshy, smooth and nicely structured, with red and black fruit wrapped in soft tannins and savoury spice. There is a lovely rustic polish here, the kind of red that feels equally happy with roast meat, grilled vegetables or a table full of mezze.

For when you want a characterful red with Mediterranean warmth and Lebanese charm.
Pairs with roast lamb, beef kofta, grilled sausages, mushroom ragù, smoky aubergine, hard cheeses, or a mezze spread with plenty of char.

Château Oumsiyat is run by the Bou Sleiman family, whose wine heritage spans four generations. Joseph Bou Sleiman built a modern winery in the village of Mtein, while the family’s vineyards sit high in the Bekaa Valley, where warm days and cooler nights help create wines with ripe fruit, freshness and a distinctly Mediterranean feel. The estate combines Lebanese tradition with contemporary winemaking, producing generous, expressive wines that still carry a strong sense of place.