Wines Baalbek Estate Château Château - Chateau Musar - 2017

This 2017 red wine from Château Château, bearing the typical hallmark of the Caza de Baalbek appellation within the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, represents a fascinating expression of the region's winemaking potential. Although the precise blend has not been specified, the mention of "Cuvée Chateau Musar" suggests a style reminiscent of Lebanon’s storied reds, often crafted from a mix that may include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan, or similar varietals. The 2017 vintage, now with a few years of bottle age, is likely to display a harmonious balance between ripe fruit character—think dark berries and plum—and more savoury, earthy undertones. Notes of dried herbs, sweet spices, and a gentle touch of oak are often present, imparting complexity and depth. On the palate, expect a wine with moderate to full body, supple tannins, and sufficient acidity to ensure freshness.

The Bekaa Valley, and specifically the Caza de Baalbek area, benefits from a striking combination of high-altitude vineyards—often above 1,000 metres—providing cool nights to temper the region’s warm, sunny days. The soils here are typically gravelly or calcareous, encouraging deep rooting and yielding wines with notable concentration and structure. With ancient winemaking traditions dating back millennia, the region is renowned for its ability to produce complex, ageworthy reds that bridge the old and new worlds of wine.

This style of Lebanese red wine is a natural companion to richly flavoured dishes. Consider pairing it with grilled lamb seasoned with rosemary and sumac, slow-cooked tagines with dried fruit, or a classic Lebanese mezze spread including moutabal, kibbeh and spiced aubergine. It can also stand up well to roasted game birds or mature hard cheeses, allowing its subtle spice and earth notes to shine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly below room temperature, ideally at 16-18°C. A brief decanting—especially in this half-bottle format—can help the wine open up and reveal its layered bouquet. If drinking now, savour its matured character, or, if you wish, this vintage should continue to develop for a few more years.