Chateau Musar, White 2018
Product Information
Country Lebanon
Region Bekka Valley
Grape Variety Obaideh & Merwah
Vintage 2018
ABV 12%
The 2018 vintage of Chateau Musar White began with a significant 355mm of rainfall and snowfall in January, followed by an abundant 162mm of rain in February, providing ample natural irrigation to the vineyard soils. March and April brought lighter rainfall with 41mm and 27mm respectively, setting the stage for healthy vine growth. After mid-April, a surprising rise in temperature stimulated early vine budding. The blooming period in May and June was marked by 52mm and 32mm of rain, ensuring strong vine development. July was dry and hot, averaging 35°C, while August experienced an intense three-day heatwave with temperatures soaring to 39-40°C.
Unique Vineyard Location and Grape Varietals
The vineyards of Chateau Musar White 2018 are situated at an elevation of approximately 1,300 meters in the foothills of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The vines, aged between 50 to 90 years, produce two indigenous Lebanese grape varieties: Obaideh (60%) and Merwah (40%). These ancient grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years, with Merwah harvested on September 18th and Obaideh on September 22nd in 2018.
Traditional Vinification Process
The Obaideh and Merwah grapes were carefully pressed and racked before undergoing fermentation in new French oak barrels for nine months. The wine was then expertly blended in spring 2019, cold stabilized, and bottled during the summer of the same year, preserving its unique character and complexity.
Tasting Notes for Chateau Musar White 2018
This vintage displays a fine lemon-gold colour with a bright and fresh appearance, promising excellent ageing potential typical of Chateau Musar white wines. The aroma features vibrant notes of lemon, lime, oregano, and pine. On the palate, expect a lively and zesty profile with flavours of ripe pears, crisp apples, and fresh Mediterranean herbs. Chateau Musar White 2018 is both youthful and complex, offering long-lasting flavours best enjoyed at cellar temperature (around 15°C) rather than chilled.
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.
