Château Musar Blanc from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley is widely regarded as one of the country’s most distinctive white wines. The grapes employed by Château Musar for their white wines are traditionally unusual and lesser-known native varieties, such as Obaideh and Merwah. While the exact vintage here isn’t specified, the style typically draws from these historic Mediterranean grapes, sometimes blended with international varietals depending on the year. Winemaking at Musar is marked by a minimal-intervention philosophy, with spontaneous fermentation and ageing in oak barrels to add depth, texture, and longevity. The resulting wine is generally full-bodied for a white, marked by a tantalising mix of stone fruit, honey, gentle spice, and nutty, oxidative notes that develop with bottle age.
The Bekaa Valley’s unique terroir is crucial to the identity of this wine. Located at altitude between two mountain ranges, the vineyards benefit from hot, sunny days and cool nights, which help preserve natural acidity while allowing slow, even ripening. The soils, comprised of gravel and limestone, further shape the wine’s mineral backbone and lend a subtle saline edge. Winemaking in this part of the world traces its roots back thousands of years, with the Bekaa Valley standing as the heart of Lebanon’s wine industry—an area where ancient techniques blend with modern approaches to produce truly characterful wines.
Château Musar Blanc’s rich and textural profile pairs beautifully with equally bold dishes. Lebanese mezze, such as hummus, baba ganoush, or grilled halloumi, highlight the wine’s aromatic complexity, while more substantial options like roast chicken with za’atar, baked fish with preserved lemons, or confit garlic lamb bring out its depth and savoury notes. For a more classic pairing, try aged hard cheeses or dishes with Mediterranean spices.
To best appreciate the aromas and structure of Château Musar Blanc, serve it lightly chilled, ideally around 12°C. Decanting for half an hour can also help open up the wine’s more complex layers, especially if it has been aged.
