Chateau Musar Jeune Rouge, 2022

Musar Jeune Rouge 2021 from Lebanon's Bekaa Valley offers vibrant ruby color with fresh red and black fruit aromas complemented by Mediterranean herbs and spice. This medium-bodied blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon delivers lively acidity, smooth tannins, and pairs perfectly with Middle Eastern cuisine. An approachable, youthful expression from the legendary Chateau Musar, designed for early drinking.

Technical Information

• Appellation: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
• Vintage: 2021
• Varietal Composition: Blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Alcohol: 13.5-14% by volume
• Aging: Unoaked, aged in concrete vats
• Soil Type: Gravelly, stony limestone soils
• Elevation: 1,000 meters above sea level
• Farming Practices: Practicing organic, minimal intervention
• Harvest Date: September 2021
• Filtration: Minimal
• Production: Limited quantities

Appearance

Vibrant ruby-red color with purple highlights and medium intensity. Clear and bright with good viscosity.

Aromatics

Fresh and expressive with dominant red and black fruits including raspberry, black cherry, and blackcurrant. Complementary notes of Mediterranean herbs, violets, and subtle spice. Characteristic hints of wild garrigue, pepper, and a touch of Lebanese cedar.

Palate

Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and smooth, accessible tannins. Flavors of juicy red berries, plum, and black fruits are balanced by hints of spice, licorice, and gentle herbaceous notes. The finish is fresh and moderately long with persistent fruit and a subtle earthy character.

Food Pairing Suggestions

• Lebanese cuisine: Kibbeh, lamb kofta, shawarma
• Mediterranean dishes: Grilled vegetables, eggplant, olive tapenade
• Meats: Grilled lamb, roasted duck, spiced chicken
• Vegetarian options: Lentil stews, stuffed peppers
• Cheeses: Halloumi, aged goat cheese, kashkaval
• Mezze platters with hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: 60-64°F (16-18°C)
• Decanting: Optional, 30 minutes before serving
• Glassware: Standard Bordeaux glass
• Cellaring Potential: Designed for early drinking, best within 3-5 years of release

Wine Background

Musar Jeune Rouge represents the more approachable, youthful expression from the legendary Chateau Musar. Unlike the estate's flagship wines which undergo extended aging, the Jeune series is crafted for earlier consumption with minimal intervention. The 2021 vintage maintains the distinctive character and sense of place that has made Chateau Musar famous, while offering a fresher, more fruit-forward profile.

Producer Information

Chateau Musar, founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar, is Lebanon's most acclaimed winery. Located in Ghazir, Lebanon, with vineyards in the Bekaa Valley, the estate has continued producing wine through numerous conflicts and challenges. Now run by the third generation of the Hochar family, the winery maintains its commitment to natural winemaking practices and distinctive Lebanese terroir expression.