Ep 178: Chateau Musar: The Icon Wines of Lebanon (Part 1)

EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

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Welcome back! On today's episode, Join us as we venture into the saga of perseverance in winemaking, set against the tumultuous backdrop of 15/16 years of civil unrest. We uncover the fascinating narrative behind Chateau Musar, the revered wine of the Middle East. Our esteemed guest, Marc Hochar, from the family behind this iconic label, graciously shares their remarkable tales.

We'll delve into the legacy of Serge Hochar (Marc’s late father), a driving force behind Chateau Musar, whose unparalleled dedication earned him the prestigious title of Decanter Man of the Year. Together, we'll traverse the landscapes of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, examining the intricate dance between climate, altitude, and organic viticulture, all shaping the unique essence of these wines.

As we sip on the 2016 Chateau Musar Red, we'll explore the nuances of volatile acidity, wild yeast, and low sulfur, delving into the winemaking philosophies that infuse each bottle with character.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:

02.27: The Mzar castle in the Historic village of Ghazir, Beirut

05.17: Toughest points of Chateau Musar’s History: Wine & War

11.34: Marc’s Grandfather: Gaston - the man who started it all

16.02: A bottle of Chateau Musar’s trip to Antarctica

17.58: Identifying Chateau Musar in a blind tasting

19.55: Characteristics of Chateau Musar

21.50: Volatile Acidity in wine and how it enhances Chateau Musar

25.29: The Winemaking process

27.53: Discussing the age potential of these wines and tasting Chateau Musar Red 2016 £31.90 Noble Grape £34.95 The Worsley Fine Wines

29.27: Discussing emotion in wine instead of fruit

31.40: Organic viticulture in the vineyards

39.49: Climate and terroir in Bekaa Valley

36.37: Bush vines and yields

40.55: Discussing the differences between the reds and tasting Hochar Pere Et Fils 2020 £23.55 Field & Fawcett £26.95 Secret Bottle Shop

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Until next time, Cheers to you!

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