Chateau Musar, Red 2016
Product Information
Country Lebanon
Region Bekka Valley
Grape Variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Carignan
Vintage 2016
ABV 14%
Experience the essence of the 2016 Lebanese red wine vintage, shaped by exceptional weather conditions and expert winemaking in the heart of the Bekaa Valley.
The year began with a promising winter, December 2015 brought 130mm of rain, followed by 360mm in January with ample snowfall, deeply enriching the soils. February and March continued the trend with 300mm more rainfall, rejuvenating the parched terrain. By April, average night temperatures had warmed to +5°C, a significant improvement from the year before. May added 45mm of rain, giving our vines the perfect boost, while June and July delivered sunny skies and peak temperatures averaging 34°C, ideal for grape maturation.
This climate shift led to an early harvest, our earliest ever. The Cabernet Sauvignon was picked first on August 16th from silty soils that encouraged early ripening. Cinsault followed on September 2nd, and Carignan was harvested on September 7th.
Winemaking Process
Fermented with wild, natural yeasts in concrete vats, each grape variety was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, enhancing structure and complexity. Bottling took place without fining or filtration in July and August 2019, preserving the wine’s integrity.
• Fermentation temperature: 27–29°C
• Cabernet Sauvignon: deep, concentrated fruit
• Cinsault: elegant, aromatic – often called our Lebanese Pinot
• Carignan: rich and expressive, showcasing the Bekaa Valley terroir.
Tasting Notes
The 2016 Bekaa Valley red wine is deep ruby with rich viscosity. Aromas of red cherry, plum, fig, and carob mingle with hints of eastern spice. On the palate, you will find kirsch, plum, blackcurrant, and dark chocolate, supported by velvety tannins, concentrated fruit, and a long, smooth finish.
A Reflection of Climate and Terroir
The 2016 vintage is a clear indicator of shifting climate patterns in the region. While global warming and drier soils may present future challenges, the rainfall and near-perfect weather this season allowed for a harvest of extraordinary quality. This vintage is expected to age beautifully over decades.
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.
