Buy or order Chateau Musar wine

When we think of Chateau Musar, we immediately become lyrical. Few wines are praised so highly as the iconic wines of Chateau Musar. For almost a century, they have been a top-tier winemaker. And that's remarkable; after all, the wines originate from Lebanon, not the wine country par excellence. However, thanks to pure craftsmanship and extensive knowledge, Chateau Musar wines have become an essential part of many a wine cabinet.

Chateau Musar and its Lebanese wines

The winery was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, founder of the impressive Hochar family. He immediately saw potential for viticulture in the Bekaa Valley, located in eastern Lebanon. However, he built the winery on the Mediterranean Sea, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the vineyards. The reason for this was simple: in the 1930s, Lebanon's borders had not yet been defined. However, Gaston Hochar was determined to keep the winery within Lebanese borders at all costs.

The wines from Lebanon

When you think of perfect wines, a country like Lebanon doesn't immediately spring to mind. However, its winemaking history stretches back centuries. The Phoenicians were the first to plant grapevines long before the Common Era. It's not surprising: Lebanon's location is perfect for viticulture. However, the political tensions and social problems of the past have hindered successful winemaking. Fortunately, things have been relatively calm for a few decades now, and more and more wineries are recognizing the potential of Lebanese wines.

A Bordeaux wine from Lebanon

In 1959, Château Musar was taken over by the founder's son, Serge. He was well prepared, having studied oenology at the University of Bordeaux. From this time on, Château Musar's wines increasingly resembled Bordeaux wines. However, there's another reason for this. The Lebanese vineyards primarily feature French grape varieties. This is due to France's historically powerful influence in Lebanon: it was once a French state, and French remains the official language. This explains why you'll primarily find Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Cinsault planted in Château Musar's vineyards.

The wines of Chateau Musar

With each vintage, the quality seems to improve. Especially under the leadership of Serge Hochar, Château Musar reached the pinnacle. From 1959 onward, a new vintage was released every year, except for two. Unfortunately, due to the Civil War, it was impossible to release a vintage in 1976 and 1984. However, Serge Hochar also managed to create several iconic vintages during the Civil War. At that time, the grapes were transported right through the line of fire to the winery in Beirut. Risking his own life, for example, the legendary vintages of 1979 and 1982 were brought to life. Now that's what we call passion.