Obeideh, Merwah, Cinsault
75cl * Vegan * Organic * 12.5% ABV * Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Chateau Musar Rosé is a still and softly-oaked tribute to the ‘blended’ rosés of Champagne. It is not made every year as specific grape qualities are required to ensure the varieties combine in elegant form. The main components are Obaideh and Merwah, indigenous to the mountains of Lebanon and said to be related to Chardonnay and Semillon. Around 5% of southern red Rhône grape Cinsault gives the wine its subtle colour.
In their youth the wines are salmon pink in colour, smooth, well-balanced and velvety-textured, with aromas and flavours of peaches, pears, oranges, grapefruit, almonds, wild herbs and citrus leaves. They develop mellow, spicy notes and tawny hues as they age. This is a pale, bright mandarin colour with a delicate aroma of raspberries and soft red berry fruits with citrus notes of tangerine and caramelised orange. There is also vanilla spice from the oak and all these characters follow through to the palate with flavours of spiced orange, raspberries and a hint of vanilla from the barrel ageing.
Complex and concentrated, Chateau Musar Rosé shows at its best after several hours’ ‘breathing time’, and should be served ‘cellar cool’ at 15°C. The citrusy flavours excel with canapés, olives, nuts, seafood and Provençal dishes.
Drinking window: Now - 2030+
“Musar’s whites and rosés are less well-known. More’s the pity: both are unusual and superb.” Andrew Jefford, Decanter Magazine (January 2004)