Cinsault (50%), Grenache (40%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)
75cl * Organic, Vegan & Sustainable * 14.5% ABV * Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Chateau Musar is undoubtedly one of the world’s most iconic wineries. Since its founding in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, the family have acquired a reputation for producing outstanding wines inspired by Lebanon’s 6,000-year winemaking heritage. It was the late Serge Hochar, Gaston's son, who perfected the formula for Chateau Musar’s Red blends and helped build their icon status. He was the first person to be awarded the title of Decanter Magazine’s ‘Man of the Year’ in 1984.
Hochar Père et Fils Red has often been described as the ‘second’ wine of Chateau Musar. It is a blend of Cinsault (50%), Grenache (40%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), sourced from a single vineyard near the Bekaa Valley village of Aana. The soil is deep gravel over a limestone base, sitting 1000m above sea level. The yields here are low, and the fruit is concentrated.
The Bekaa Valley is blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year, fresh mountain breezes and an average temperature of 25°C. Though in 2020, they experienced a heatwave at the start of September, resulting in a rather challenging harvest that quickly became a race against the clock. Nevertheless, they managed to create a beautifully robust, complex wine full of ripe, brambly fruit. There is black cherry and plum on the nose, with hints of dried dates and tea leaves. The palate has sweet, supple tannins followed by a spicy finish.
After careful decanting, the wine should be allowed to breathe for at least a few hours, though ideally the entire day, and served at 18°C with roast meat, grilled lamb, casseroles, game, and mature cheeses.