Château Musar Hochar Père et Fils 2021

From the legendary Château Musar estate in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, Hochar Père et Fils is named in honour of the father-and-son team who built Château Musar into one of the world's most respected wine producers. This wine shares the same philosophy and winemaking DNA as the estate's iconic flagship, but is crafted to be more accessible — approachable in youth while still carrying the depth, complexity, and character that makes Musar wines so compelling.

Blended from Cinsault, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon — three grapes that together create remarkable balance — Hochar Père et Fils opens with vibrant aromas of red cherry, plum, and raspberry, interwoven with warm spice, dried herbs, and an earthy quality that reflects the ancient limestone soils of the Bekaa Valley. On the palate, the wine is generous and medium-bodied, with supple tannins, good natural acidity, and a lingering, savoury finish with hints of leather and tobacco.

The Bekaa Valley's dramatic temperature variation between warm days and cool nights is key to retaining freshness and acidity in the grapes — a characteristic that gives Musar wines their distinctive balance and genuine ageing ability. This is a wine that rewards both early drinking and patient cellaring.

A wonderfully food-friendly red — pair with slow-roasted lamb, grilled merguez sausages, spiced aubergine dishes, halloumi, roasted vegetable tagine, or a Lebanese mezze spread. A wine as versatile and interesting as the food it's made to accompany.