Wines Unspecified Hochar - Chateau Musar - 2017

Chateau Musar's Red from Lebanon is a wine of considerable renown, produced by the Hochar family in the Bekaa Valley, a region that has earned international admiration for its distinct and expressive wines. The 2017 vintage, bottled here in a convenient half-bottle format, typically reflects the estate's house style—complex, nuanced, and intensely characterful. Although the exact blend is not specified, Chateau Musar's reds are usually composed of a combination of southern Mediterranean varietals and local grapes, delivering a wine that is both rich and intriguingly layered. The winemaking process tends to favour minimal intervention, with traditional fermentation methods, extended ageing in oak and bottle, and a gentle approach that allows the wine to evolve naturally. The result is a robust yet elegant wine, often showing notes of dark berry fruit, spice, earth, and hints of leather or herbs, developing savoury complexity as it matures.

The Bekaa Valley, located east of Beirut, is the beating heart of Lebanese viticulture and has been a cradle of vine cultivation for thousands of years. Its unique terroir—a combination of high altitude, ample sunlight, and chalky, well-draining soils—creates ideal conditions for grape growing. The region enjoys warm days and cool nights, which help preserve freshness and ensure a long, even ripening period. Lebanon's winemaking heritage is an ancient one, dating back to Phoenician times, and influence from French viticultural practices is evident today, particularly in the reds of established estates like Chateau Musar.

This style of red wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, especially those with depth and richness. Lebanese classics such as lamb shawarma, slow-cooked beef with spices, or grilled aubergine with tahini would make an excellent match. European dishes like roast duck, venison, or matured cheeses also highlight its complexity. Best enjoyed at 16-18°C, pour it into a large glass and allow it to breathe for an hour if possible, particularly if the wine is still youthful, to fully appreciate its richness and aromatic depth.