Wines Akkar Château Château - Chateau Musar - 2017

Château Château 2017 from the Akkar region in Northern Lebanon presents an intriguing red wine experience, bottled here in magnum format for optimal ageing. While precise details on the blend are not specified, the mention of "Cuvée Chateau Musar" suggests inspiration from Lebanon’s most iconic wine style, which traditionally features varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, or Carignan. This would promise an elegant structure marked by complex aromatics, ripe dark fruit, subtle spice, and often an earthy undertone, balanced with refined tannins and fresh acidity, especially in an excellent vintage like 2017.

The Northern Lebanese terroir, particularly Akkar, benefits from a striking climate: Mediterranean warmth is balanced by cool evenings owing to altitude and proximity to the sea. The soils are typically limestone-rich with scattered clay and gravel, contributing further to the elegance and age-worthiness of local wines. The region boasts a viticultural history that stretches back to antiquity, and while Akkar is less internationally renowned than the Bekaa Valley, its wines increasingly display tremendous character and depth, providing a fresh perspective on Lebanese reds.

For food pairings, the generous body and spicy undertones of this red make it extremely versatile. It would beautifully complement slow-cooked lamb or beef, game birds served with roasted vegetables, or hearty Mediterranean stews. Traditional Lebanese dishes such as kafta, stuffed aubergines, or even richly spiced mezze platters would showcase the wine's layered complexity and structure.

To fully appreciate its aromatic nuance and evolving palate, decanting is recommended, especially given the magnum format and the wine’s maturity. Serve at 16-18°C to allow the bouquet and flavours to open gently. Whether enjoyed now or cellared further, this 2017 Akkar red promises a profound expression of Lebanon’s northernmost vineyards.