Chateau Musar Musar 2017

Region and Vineyards

Chateau Musar's vineyards lie in the Bekaa Valley, a high-altitude plateau nestled between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges. Situated at around 1,000 metres above sea level, this terroir benefits from a Mediterranean climate with a continental twist: hot, dry summers and snowy winters. This climatic duality preserves natural acidity while encouraging deep ripeness and complexity in the grapes.

The gravelly soils over a limestone base contribute minerality and freshness to the wines. In 2017, the vineyards experienced an unusual growing season. Following a winter of abundant snow and rainfall, the spring remained cooler than usual, delaying budburst. A one-day frost in late April quietly reduced yields, particularly among early-pruned vines. Intense summer heat - peaking at 37°C in late June - further concentrated the remaining fruit. Cinsault, traditionally the most drought-resistant of the trio, stood out in its resilience and vibrancy.

Winemaking

The 2017 vintage is a classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan in equal proportions. Each variety was vinified separately, beginning with spontaneous fermentation using ambient yeasts in concrete vats. Temperatures ranged from 27°C to 30°C, allowing for expressive aromatics and full extraction.

After primary fermentation, the wines underwent malolactic fermentation, finishing by early November. Aging took place over 12 months in French oak barrels from Nevers, imparting subtle structure and spice. The final blend was assembled in early 2020 and bottled in the summer without fining or filtration, preserving the wine's natural texture and depth. Notably, the last-picked Cabernet Sauvignon displayed unusual aromas of guava and exotic fruit, underscoring the vintage's idiosyncratic profile.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with garnet hues, reflecting both youth and evolution.
• Aroma: Intensely aromatic with a complex bouquet of dried cherries, forest floor, tobacco leaf, and Middle Eastern spices. Subtle hints of leather, incense, and even tropical fruit like guava emerge with time in glass.
• Palate: Medium-bodied yet layered, with ripe red and black fruits, fine-grained tannins, and vibrant acidity. A savoury, earthy core evolves into notes of spice box, cedar, and umami. The finish is long, harmonious, and slightly wild—quintessentially Musar.

Did you know?

The 2017 vintage joins an unusual Musar lineage of wines ending in "7"—1987, 1997, and 2007—all of which showed atypical structure and strength for the estate. Serge Hochar, Musar's legendary winemaker, often likened such vintages to decades in style rather than single years, reflecting nature's mysterious rhythm.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lamb tagine with apricots and almonds - echoes the wine's spice and dried fruit notes.
• Mushroom and lentil moussaka - umami-rich ingredients pair beautifully with Musar's savoury depth.
• Duck breast with cherry sauce - mirrors the wine's dark fruit core while complementing its acidity.
• Chargrilled aubergine with za'atar and tahini - a Levantine nod to the wine's origin, balanced by its earthy and herbal undertones.

History of Château Musar

Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, Château Musar is steeped in Lebanon’s 6,000-year-old winemaking history. Inspired by his travels in Bordeaux, Gaston Hochar envisioned a winery that would unite Lebanon’s ancient viticultural heritage with French winemaking techniques.

In 1959, Gaston’s son, Serge Hochar, took over as winemaker, dedicating years to perfecting the winery’s signature style. Under Serge’s stewardship, Château Musar gained international acclaim, notably when its 1967 vintage was named "Discovery of the Fair" at the Bristol Wine Fair in 1979. Despite the turbulence of the Lebanese Civil War, Serge maintained production, missing only two vintages (1976 and 1984), a testament to his unwavering commitment to winemaking.

Serge Hochar’s contributions earned him the title of Decanter Magazine’s first ‘Man of the Year’ in 1984. Following Serge’s passing in 2014, the third generation of the Hochar family, led by Gaston and Marc Hochar, continues to uphold the winery’s legacy, supported by a team of dedicated winemakers.

Region and Vineyards

Château Musar’s vineyards are situated in the Bekaa Valley, a region with a viticultural history dating back to the Phoenicians. The vines thrive at an altitude of 1,000 meters, where the unique microclimate, characterized by hot days and cool nights, ensures excellent grape maturation while preserving acidity and aromatic complexity.

The gravelly soils with a limestone base contribute to the wines’ characteristic minerality and depth. This terroir, combined with traditional viticultural practices, allows the grapes to develop their full potential, reflecting the distinctiveness of the Bekaa Valley.

The winery also places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Its vineyards have been managed organically since 2006, highlighting its commitment to preserving the environment while producing wines of exceptional quality.

Wine Range of Château Musar

Château Musar offers a diverse portfolio of wines, each reflecting the winery’s philosophy of minimal intervention:

• Château Musar Red: The flagship wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, known for its complexity and ability to age gracefully.
• Château Musar White: Crafted from indigenous Obaideh and Merwah, this wine is often likened to aged white Burgundy for its depth and elegance.
• Hochar Père et Fils: A single-vineyard red wine that offers an approachable alternative to the flagship red, suitable for earlier enjoyment.
• Musar Jeune: A vibrant range of red, white, and rosé wines made without oak aging, emphasizing fresh fruit flavors.

Did You Know?

Château Musar was the first Lebanese winery to achieve organic certification in 2006. The indigenous varietals Cinsault, Obaideh, and Merwah used in their wines date back thousands of years, showcasing Lebanon’s ancient winemaking heritage.