SAQ Château Musar Jeune 2021, Château Musar, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon

Follow this link for SAQ: https://www.saq.com/fr/13210197

A Red of Resilience

Even before Lebanon was recognized as a country with its current borders, the Hochar family was already making wine there, working vines in the 1930s in an exceptional region that is little known outside the country.

The Bekaa Valley, with its 1,000 meters of elevation and 300 days of exceptional temperatures for viticulture, is the heart of the Lebanese vineyard (80% of wines are produced there), which is found far too infrequently on the monopoly's shelves. It must be said that working the vines 60 km from the Syrian civil war and less than 100 km from Israel has never been an easy task for the various wineries in the area.

Last week, we suggested Château Musar in a footnote as a new arrival to consider. This week, it is Musar Jeune that finds its place on the SAQ's shelves. As the name suggests, it is a blend of young vines (though still over 20 years old...) of Cinsault (50%), Syrah (35%), and Cabernet, vinified in cement vats. Textural red fruits with spicy notes and floral hints (Syrah) will be present, and it should be drunk within two to three years, unlike the estate’s grand vin, which is more structured and designed for extended aging.

Since the wine is naturally organic and minimally filtered, you won't be surprised by the possibility of some sediment. Enjoy slightly chilled and without restraint during the summer.

• To pair with it: Mild or seasoned sausages on the BBQ,
• For a fun fact: Because militias blocked movement during the civil war of the 1980s, Serge Hochar (who passed away in 2014) had to transport his grapes via the Mediterranean to get them from the field to the winery.
• To better understand Mediterranean wines: Get on the waiting list for our aperitif event in the fall of '24.
• To enjoy a wine inspired by Serge Hochar, discover the 2021 Divergent cuvée by Hogan in South Africa, available in our shop for $61.