Chateau Musar, Rosé 2018
Product Information
Country Lebanon
Region Bekka Valley
Grape Variety 57% Obaideh, 40% Merwah, 3% Cinsault
Vintage 2018
ABV 12.5%
Discover the Chateau Musar Rosé 2018, a rare and age-worthy Lebanese rosé wine crafted as a tribute to the great rosés of Champagne. First created in 1994 by the late Serge Hochar, this complex dry rosé offers both elegance and depth, showcasing the winemaking heritage of Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley.
Grown at approximately 1,200 metres above sea level, this vintage blends the indigenous Lebanese white grape varietals Obaideh and Merwah with a delicate touch of Cinsault, added during pressing. The 2018 growing season was marked by snow, above-average rainfall, and a dramatic heatwave in late August that uniquely impacted the grapes, particularly enhancing the sugar concentration in the Cinsault.
The final blend, 57% Obaideh, 40% Merwah, and 3% Cinsault, is barrel fermented in 100% new Nevers oak for nine months, followed by six months of tank ageing before bottling in Autumn 2019. This meticulous process results in a rosé wine that is both delicate and structured, capable of maturing beautifully in bottle over time.
Tasting Profile
This high-altitude Lebanese rosé wine reveals a bright pale mandarin hue with aromatic notes of fresh raspberries, red berries, and subtle citrus layers of tangerine and caramelised orange. Oak ageing contributes hints of vanilla and warm spice, which follow through on the palate with flavours of spiced orange and ripe berries, offering a smooth, well-integrated finish.
Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Perfect as an elegant aperitif wine, Chateau Musar Rosé also pairs beautifully with salmon, shellfish, and Mediterranean tapas. For optimal enjoyment, serve slightly chilled at around 15°C. Decant or open the bottle a couple of hours in advance to allow the wine to breathe and fully develop its bouquet in the glass.
Discover Chateau Musar – Premium Lebanese Organic Wines from Bekaa Valley
Founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, Chateau Musar draws inspiration from Lebanon’s rich 6,000-year winemaking heritage and classic Bordeaux traditions. The Hochar family, of French Crusader descent since the 12th century, has cultivated a deep-rooted passion for fine wine. Gaston Hochar began crafting his renowned “wines with noblesse” during the 1920s, impressing French military officers with his exceptional vintages under the League of Nations mandate in Lebanon and Syria.
A unique bond between Chateau Musar and Bordeaux was forged during World War II when Major Ronald Barton of Château Langoa-Barton befriended Gaston Hochar, strengthening the legacy of Lebanese Bordeaux-style wines. This connection paved the way for the next generation when Serge Hochar, Gaston’s eldest son, studied oenology under Emile Peynaud at Bordeaux University. In 1959, Serge took the helm as Chateau Musar’s winemaker, dedicating 18 years to perfecting the iconic red blend that would become a symbol of Lebanese wine excellence.
Despite Lebanon’s Civil War from 1975 to 1990, Serge Hochar’s unwavering commitment earned him Decanter Magazine’s first-ever ‘Man of the Year’ award in 1984. Today, Chateau Musar thrives under the leadership of the third generation, with brothers Gaston and Marc Hochar managing winery operations and global commercial growth, respectively. Alongside them, Ronald Hochar brings his expertise in law and logistics, ensuring the family legacy continues.
Chateau Musar wines are crafted using organically grown indigenous grapes from high-altitude vineyards (1,000 meters) in Lebanon’s famed Bekaa Valley. The winery follows a non-interventionist winemaking philosophy, producing complex, elegant red blends, and whites renowned worldwide for their exceptional ageing potential and unique terroir expression.
Explore our exclusive collection of organic Lebanese wines, including Chateau Musar’s legendary red blends and white wines, and experience the historic flavours of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.
