Chateau Musar Musar 2016

Region and Vineyards

The Bekaa Valley is one of the most distinguished wine regions in the Middle East, located in the fertile highlands of Lebanon. The vineyards lie at an altitude of 1,000 meters, benefiting from hot days and cool nights, which preserve the grapes’ natural acidity and aromatic intensity.

The 2016 vintage was influenced by challenging yet rewarding climatic conditions. Following significant winter rainfall and snow, the growing season was marked by a sunny June with low humidity and an average temperature of 34 °C in July, fostering early ripening. This created optimal conditions for concentrated fruit flavors, particularly for the Cabernet Sauvignon, which was harvested in mid-August, followed by Cinsault and Carignan in early September.

Winemaking

This vintage is crafted from an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, each of which contributes distinct characteristics to the wine. Fermentation occurred naturally with wild yeasts in concrete vats, preserving the wine’s authenticity and purity.

The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, enhancing its depth and complexity. After blending in 2019, it was bottled without fining or filtration, ensuring that the wine retained its natural structure and character. The meticulous winemaking approach has created a wine with impressive balance, concentration, and potential for long aging.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with high viscosity.
• Aroma: Red cherries, plums, and figs dominate the nose, accented by carob and hints of eastern spice.
• Palate: Vibrant flavors of kirsch, blackcurrant, and chocolate, complemented by velvety tannins. The wine exhibits remarkable depth and fruit concentration, with a long and satisfying finish.

Did You Know?

The Cinsault grape in this blend is often referred to as Lebanon’s own "Pinot Noir", celebrated for its elegance and aromatic complexity. Château Musar’s wines are crafted under organic farming practices, showcasing the winery’s dedication to sustainability and quality.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lamb tagine with apricots and almonds: The wine’s spices and fruit notes pair beautifully with the rich, sweet, and savory elements of this dish.
• Beef filet with a red wine reduction: The velvety tannins and deep fruit flavors complement the richness of the beef.
• Roasted eggplant with tahini and pomegranate: The wine’s vibrant acidity and eastern spice notes harmonize with this earthy and tangy dish.
• Aged Manchego cheese: Its nutty and savory character balances the wine’s complexity and structure.

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.