{"product_id":"chateau-musar-2015","title":"Chateau Musar 2015","description":"\u003ch2 data-end=\"48\" data-start=\"0\"\u003e Chateau Musar Red 2015, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"555\" data-start=\"50\"\u003eChateau Musar Red 2015 is one of the most challenging vintages the estate has experienced in decades, shaped by extreme weather conditions but ultimately \u003cstrong\u003esurprisingly full of character\u003c\/strong\u003e . What makes the Bekaa Valley so well-suited for powerful red wines? The combination of warm summers, cool nights, and high-altitude vineyards produces ripe grapes that retain crisp acidity. This 2015 demonstrates how resilience in the vineyard can result in a wine with tension, depth, and the classic Musar signature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"930\" data-start=\"557\"\u003e The 2015 winter was wet and snowy, followed by frost between April 10th and 18th, with temperatures dropping to between -8°C and -12°C. Many buds were destroyed, and some plots seemed lost. Later, a damp June, a mild July, and then a heat wave towards September followed, drastically reducing the final yield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"955\" data-start=\"932\"\u003e Vineyards and region\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"1095\" data-start=\"957\"\u003eThe grapes for Chateau Musar Red come from the Bekaa Valley, a high plateau in Lebanon known for wine production for centuries. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul data-end=\"1531\" data-start=\"1097\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"1206\" data-start=\"1097\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1206\" data-start=\"1099\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1125\" data-start=\"1099\"\u003eExtreme spring frost\u003c\/strong\u003e : temperatures down to -12°C caused up to 65% losses in Cabernet Sauvignon. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"1289\" data-start=\"1207\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1289\" data-start=\"1209\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1235\" data-start=\"1209\"\u003eHeatwave in September\u003c\/strong\u003e : accelerated ripening and extra pressure on the vineyards. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"1403\" data-start=\"1290\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1403\" data-start=\"1292\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1311\" data-start=\"1292\"\u003eAana and Kefraya\u003c\/strong\u003e : important areas of origin for Cinsault with yield losses of 70% and 40% respectively. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"1531\" data-start=\"1404\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1531\" data-start=\"1406\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1442\" data-start=\"1406\"\u003eSelective harvest in early September\u003c\/strong\u003e : Cabernet Sauvignon on September 3, Cinsault on September 8 and Carignan on September 11.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1660\" data-start=\"1533\"\u003e The combination of altitude and large temperature differences between day and night contributes to freshness despite the warm climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1687\" data-start=\"1662\"\u003e Vinification and maturation\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1768\" data-start=\"1689\"\u003e Each grape variety was processed separately to preserve maximum expression. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"1770\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"1895\" data-start=\"1770\"\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"1895\" data-start=\"1772\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1794\" data-start=\"1772\"\u003eNatural yeasts\u003c\/strong\u003e : fermentation per grape in concrete vats, which promotes temperature stability and gentle extraction. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"1992\" data-start=\"1896\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"1992\" data-start=\"1898\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1948\" data-start=\"1898\"\u003e12 months maturation in French oak barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e : for structure and refined spiciness. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"2081\" data-start=\"1993\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2081\" data-start=\"1995\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2022\" data-start=\"1995\"\u003eBlending January 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e : after separate maturation, the wines were blended. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"2167\" data-start=\"2082\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2167\" data-start=\"2084\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2116\" data-start=\"2084\"\u003eBottling July\/August 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e : followed by further bottle maturation at the estate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2168\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2228\" data-start=\"2170\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2185\" data-start=\"2170\"\u003eAlcohol 14%\u003c\/strong\u003e : gives body without disturbing the balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2351\" data-start=\"2230\"\u003e This method underlines Chateau Musar's classic approach, where time is an essential part of the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2376\" data-start=\"2353\"\u003e Grape composition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2473\" data-start=\"2378\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2415\" data-start=\"2378\"\u003eCabernet Sauvignon – Bekaa Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2418\" data-start=\"2415\"\u003e Brings structure, cassis and ripe tannins to the blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"2573\" data-start=\"2475\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2505\" data-start=\"2475\"\u003eCinsault – Aana and Kefraya\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2508\" data-start=\"2505\"\u003e Gives aromatic finesse, red fruit and softness in the texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2666\" data-start=\"2575\"\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"2602\" data-start=\"2575\"\u003eCarignan – Bekaa Valley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2605\" data-start=\"2602\"\u003e Adds spiciness and depth with extra grip on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"2731\" data-start=\"2668\"\u003e The blend consists of equal parts of these three grape varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2764\" data-start=\"2733\"\u003e Tasting notes and serving suggestions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"3253\" data-start=\"2766\"\u003e In the glass, Chateau Musar Red 2015 reveals a deep ruby ​​red color. The nose opens with blackberries, blackcurrants, and cherries, followed by leather, subtle peppery spiciness, and later more complex notes. On the palate, the dark fruit and spicy nuances return, complemented by soft vanilla, warming spices, and a hint of cocoa. The structure is fresh with supple tannins that combine power with elegance. The finish is layered and lingers with spicy and fruit-driven notes. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul data-end=\"3519\" data-start=\"3255\"\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"3382\" data-start=\"3255\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-end=\"3382\" data-start=\"3257\"\u003e Serving temperature: Serve around \u003cstrong\u003e16–18°C\u003c\/strong\u003e to ensure the spicy complexity and tannins remain in balance with the crisp acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli data-end=\"3519\" data-start=\"3383\"\u003e\n\n \u003cp data-end=\"3519\" data-start=\"3385\"\u003eFood Pairings: Pairs well with duck, ribeye, or other richer, fattier meat dishes that complement the wine's structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3535\" data-start=\"3521\"\u003e Awards\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-end=\"3735\" data-start=\"3537\"\u003e Jonathan Ray, The Spectator, July 2021: described the 2015 as a “fiendishly tricky vintage” that ultimately achieved a glorious result despite losses of up to 65% of Cabernet Sauvignon.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vinites","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44499576029263,"sku":"090130","price":93.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0594\/9358\/0879\/files\/ChateauMusarRed2015.webp?v=1771586059","url":"https:\/\/perfectewijn.be\/en\/products\/chateau-musar-2015","provider":"Perfecte Wijn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}