Chateau Oumsiyat, Jaspe Rouge 2020

Get to know: Château Oumsiyat, Jaspe Rouge 2020

A rich and aromatic Lebanese red wine from the Bekaa Valley.

Tasting Note

Bright ruby with intense aromas of wild red and black fruits, framed by gentle black pepper spice. The palate is beautifully structured, with soft, integrated tannins enveloping rich fruit through to a long, lingering finish. Combining the finesse of Southern France with Lebanon’s ancient terroir, Château Oumsiyat delivers a fleshy, spicy red, layered with baked red fruits and earthy undertones – perfect for both special occasions and elevated everyday dining.

Top food pairings:

• Roast lamb with garlic and Mediterranean herbs
• Beef tagine with dried fruits and spices
• Mature hard cheeses or a rustic mezze board

Kate Says

"Jaspe is pure Bekaa Valley character – elegant yet expressive. The mix of red fruits, spice, and gentle earthiness makes it great to pair with both Lebanese dishes and classic roasts."

Producer Info

Château Oumsiyat has been family-owned for four generations, with winemaker Joseph Bou Sleiman blending respect for tradition with modern techniques. The 78-hectare vineyard sits over 1,000 metres above sea level in the Bekaa Valley, where the combination of altitude, microclimate, and calcareous clay soils creates wines that are fresh, expressive, and unmistakably Mediterranean in style.

How it’s made:

• Blend of Cinsault 40%, Carignan 20%, Syrah 20%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%
• Hand-harvested grapes from high-altitude vineyards for aromatic purity
• Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures with periodic pump-overs
• Moderate post-fermentation maceration for colour, structure, and flavour
• Malolactic conversion for a softer palate, no oak influence
• Gently filtered before bottling

Good to know:

• Region: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
• Style: Medium-bodied dry red wine
• Closure: Natural cork
• Vegan: Yes
• ABV: 13%
• Vintage: 2020 – an excellent year with high aromatic complexity

Why we love it:

This is a beautifully balanced Bekaa Valley red wine, offering expressive fruit, subtle spice, and smooth tannins. Elegant yet approachable, it’s ideal for pairing with Mediterranean cuisine or enjoying on its own.