2004 Chateau Musar Bekaa Valley Rouge Library Collection

Winemaking in Lebanon is far from a modern phenomenon. In the Beqaa Valley, evidence of wine production dates back to the Bronze Age, with the Phoenicians being among the earliest to cultivate vineyards. The famous Bacchus Temple in Baalbek also stands as a testament to the Roman's involvement in winemaking in the region.

Château Musar: a legacy of winemaking in Lebanon

The Beqaa Valley is an ideal location for grape cultivation. The valley is about eight kilometers wide and situated between two mountain ranges at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters. This high altitude creates a unique microclimate where the intense heat of the day is offset by cool nights, allowing the grapes to retain their fruity aromas. Additionally, meltwater from the mountains ensures a reliable water supply, while the soil—comprising loam, pebbles, and gray limestone—provides a healthy environment for the vines.

Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, winemaking has persisted. The only exceptions were during the years 1976 and 1984, when war prevented wine production. Grapes had to be transported nearly 100 kilometers through conflict zones to reach the winery, located just north of Beirut.

The revival of Lebanese winemaking because of Château Musar 

After a long hiatus due to Islamic rule, which imposed a ban on alcohol production for over a thousand years, winemaking in Lebanon was revived by Jesuit priests in 1857. In 1930, Gaston Hochar founded Château Musar during the French mandate period. He sourced grapes from the Beqaa Valley and established a winery and cellar on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon, in Ghazir, just north of Beirut. Hochar received guidance from French professors in setting up his winery.

The Influence of Serge Hochar

Gaston Hochar's son, Serge, played a pivotal role in bringing Château Musar to global recognition. After training at Château Langoa-Barton in Bordeaux, Serge Hochar developed his own philosophy of winemaking. He favored a unique blend, combining the firm and robust structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the fruit-forward character of Rhône varietals such as Carignan and Cinsault—a blend rarely seen elsewhere.

Serge Hochar was committed to natural winemaking techniques, using wild yeasts, avoiding fining and filtering, and famously describing his wines as "wines without makeup." The red wines from Château Musar are aged for an average of 12 months in French oak barrels that are not toasted, followed by several years of cellar aging. The final blend is determined purely by taste, with each vintage offering distinct characteristics.

The unique style of Château Musar wines

The red Château Musar is an exceptional and traditional wine, often considered old-fashioned in style. Its color is never truly dark, usually exhibiting a brownish hue, with notes of spices and a subtle herbal quality in both aroma and flavor. These wines have remarkable aging potential, with Serge Hochar recommending they be enjoyed at their peak after 15 years. Each vintage reflects its own personality, and the wines are renowned for their distinctive character and ability to age gracefully.

Château Musar continues to be celebrated worldwide for its commitment to tradition and unique winemaking approach.