Chateau Musar Musar 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Bekaa Valley, nestled between Mount Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, is one of the world's most historic wine regions. Its high-altitude vineyards, situated at 1,000 meters, provide the perfect environment for the production of balanced and aromatic wines, thanks to hot days and cool nights that preserve the natural acidity and develop complex flavors in the grapes.

The 2018 growing season was marked by unpredictable weather, starting with abundant rainfall and snow in January and February, replenishing the soil. A warm and sunny April accelerated vine growth, followed by well-timed rains during May and June, which benefited the blooming period. However, the season was not without its challenges, including a three-day heatwave in August with temperatures reaching 40 °C, which resulted in a unique concentration of sugar in the Cinsault grapes, a phenomenon rarely seen.

Winemaking

This vintage is an equal blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wine. Fermentation was carried out with natural yeasts in concrete vats, ensuring an authentic expression of the fruit. The wine was aged for 12 months in French Nevers oak barrels, which added layers of complexity and structure.

The fermentation process for Cinsault and Carignan required careful monitoring due to the delicate nature of the vintage, with malolactic fermentation taking longer than usual to complete. Bottled without fining or filtration during the summer of 2021, Musar 2018 retains its purity and natural texture, reflecting the winery's commitment to minimal intervention.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet, rich and inviting.
• Aroma: Aromas of dried cherries, mature red fruits, and smoky, dusty notes with a hint of soft licorice.
• Palate: A rich and concentrated profile featuring cranberries, raisins, and dates, balanced by refreshing acidity and fine tannins. The wine's smoky undertones and subtle spice add layers of complexity, leading to a long and elegant finish.

Did You Know?

Château Musar's vineyards are planted with indigenous and ancient varietals, including Cinsault, which has been cultivated in the region for centuries. The winery's philosophy emphasizes organic practices and natural fermentation, ensuring every bottle is a true expression of the Bekaa Valley's heritage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary: The wine's rich fruit and fine tannins complement the savory and herbal flavors of lamb.
• Duck confit with cherry reduction: The dried cherry notes in the wine echo the fruitiness of the dish, enhancing its depth.
• Moussaka: The smoky and earthy elements of the wine pair beautifully with the rich layers of eggplant and spiced meat.
• Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese: The wine's complex palate balances the nutty, savory characteristics of these cheeses.

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.