Chateau Musar Red, Lebanon 2017

The legend of Musar has been told many times, but it never ceases to amaze. Inspired by Lebanon's 6000 year winemaking history, which began with the Phoenicians, and by his travels in Bordeaux, 20 year old Gaston Hochar founded Chateau Musar in 1930. The vineyards are strangely located  two hours away from the winery, but there is a reason for this. When Gaston Hochar began making wine in 1930, the boundaries of Lebanon had not been set, and he wanted to ensure that his premises would be inside the newly demarcated country!  The Hochars cultivate indigenous and international varietals – Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache as well as Obaideh (a native of Chardonnay), Merwah (a native variant of Semillon), Chardonnay, Viognier and Vermentino. The vineyards are planted on a limestone bed with gravelly top soils and are certified organic by the Mediterranean Institute of Certification (IMC). The white vines are 100–150 years old and planted at 4,000 feet, the reds a