Wines Baalbek Estate Château Château - Chateau Musar - 2017

Château Château 2017, from the Caza de Baalbek within Lebanon’s historic Bekaa Valley, is a red wine that pays homage to the region’s venerable winemaking tradition. This particular vintage, bottled in magnum, suggests not only a wine worth sharing, but one with the structure suited for additional aging. Though specific grape varieties are not confirmed, it is reasonable to expect a blend inspired by the “Cuvée Chateau Musar” style, typically characterised by a marriage of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan, and possibly Syrah or Grenache. The 2017 vintage in the Bekaa saw a relatively balanced growing season, favouring the production of wines with ripe fruit, layered complexity, and a touch of Mediterranean warmth. Expect a generous palate of dark berries, plums, dried herbs, and earthy undertones, supported by supple tannins and bright acidity.

The Bekaa Valley is Lebanon’s foremost wine-growing area, renowned for its elevated position (often above 1,000 metres), long hours of sunlight, and marked diurnal temperature variation. The region’s limestone-rich soils, combined with a unique synergy of Mediterranean and continental climates, allow for the balanced ripening of grapes, preserving freshness and aromatic depth. Winemaking in this region dates back thousands of years to Phoenician times, and today, the area stands out for its ability to produce wines that bridge Old and New World styles with elegance and vitality.

For food pairings, the supple structure and aromatic complexity of this wine make it an excellent companion to Lebanese classics such as lamb kibbeh, grilled aubergine (moutabal), or slow-roasted meats scented with sumac and allspice. Internationally, it would shine alongside game, beef stews, or hard, mature cheeses.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow it to open up, and serve at 16–18°C. This will allow the full spectrum of its aromas and textures to reveal themselves, whether shared at a festive table or savoured quietly over an indulgent meal.