2018 Chateau Musar Bekaa Valley Rouge 0.375 ltr

Type of Wine | Red |
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Country | |
Region | |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2018 |
Grape | |
Content (Alc) | 0.375 ltr (14%) |
Drink window | 2020 - 2028 |
Description
Chateau Musar is considered one of the most special wine estates in the world. On the one hand, it is the location, the Lebanese Bekaa Valley, on the other hand, they still use a completely traditional method. The vineyards are located on siliceous limestone-clay soils at an altitude of around 1000 metres. The long, warm summers guarantee excellent ripening of the grapes. Owner Serge Hochar, who was previously named Winemaker of the Year by the English magazine Decanter Magazine, also received his wine training in France.
Origin & Vintage of Chateau Musar Red 2018
The Chateau Musar Red 2018 is an exceptional wine that tells the story of a unique growing season. The year began with abundant rainfall and snow in winter, followed by a warm spring that brought the vines to life. The summer was intense, with high temperatures and a short heat wave in August, resulting in perfectly ripened grapes with high sugar levels. This wine is an elegant blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Carignan, in equal proportions. Each grape variety contributes to the complexity of the wine:
- Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and deep fruit notes.
- Cinsault brings finesse, spiciness and a silky texture.
- Carignan gives strength and rich, earthy notes.
Vinification & Maturation
The grapes were fermented separately with natural yeasts in concrete vats. The wine was then aged for 12 months in French Nevers oak barrels. The blend was composed in January 2021, after which the wine was bottled without clarification or filtration in the summer of 2021. The result is a pure expression of the vintage, in which the particular behavior of the Cinsault during fermentation marks the unique signature of this vintage.
Tasting notes of the Chateau Musar Red 2018
The Chateau Musar Red 2018 has a deep garnet colour. On the nose we discover notes of dried cherries, ripe red fruit and a subtle smokiness. The taste is rich and concentrated, with layers of cranberries, raisins and dates, supported by a lively acidity and fine tannins. The finish is long lasting with nuances of soft licorice and spicy, dusty fruit tones.
Serving suggestion
Serve this wine at a temperature of 16-18°C. Ideal with roast lamb, game dishes, stews or a platter of mature cheeses. Decanting is recommended to allow the wine to fully develop.
FACT: Under the tab: Attachment you will find the official factsheet of this wine. We will automatically send you this digitally when you order this wine.
Specifications
Type of Wine | Red |
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Country | Lebanon |
Region | Bekaa-vallei |
Winery | Chateau Musar |
Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2018 |
Drinking as of | 2020 |
Drinking till | 2028 |
Alcohol % | 14 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 0.375 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Tasting Profiles | Earthy, Complex, Dark fruit, Dry, Aged on wood, Powerful, Tannines, Full |
Drink moments | Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard, Romantisch |
Wijnhuis
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.
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