Château Musar: Lebanon’s Global Wine Icon With 3rd. Generation Marc Hochar

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Marc Hochar of Château Musar, Lebanon’s most storied and singular winery. Known for its age-worthy and distinctiver wines grown in the Bekaa Valley, Musar has long stood apart in the global wine conversation. Marc shares the deep family history behind the estate, founded in 1930 by his grandfather Gaston Hochar, and offers insight into their winemaking philosophy marked by native fermentation, dry farming, bush-trained vines, and a reverence for vintage variation. We dive into the indigenous white grapes Obaideh and Merwah, explore the unique aging arcs of Musar’s red wines, and discuss how Musar continues to captivate collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers across generations. You’ll also hear stories of emotional tastings, Musar’s adaptability to climate change, and what makes these wines so “alive” in both bottle and spirit. Episode Highlights:The foundational story of Château Musar and its post-WWI originsThe winemaking philosophy of Serge Hochar and its ongoing legacyNative Lebanese varieties and the distinctiveness of Bekaa Valley terroirWhy Musar wines evolve from Bordeaux-like structure to Burgundy-like eleganceThe magic of aged Musar whites and the surprise of the Château’s roséGlobal perspectives, market education, and Musar’s reception in new regionsHow global warming is shaping future vineyard and varietal choices Whether you"re new to Musar or a longtime devotee, this is an essential conversation about one of the wine world’s most fascinating and soulful estates. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast 00:22 Special Guest: Mark Char of Chateau Mussar 00:54 Wine News: German VDP Wines 02:58 Wine News: Tablas Creek"s Historic Achievement 04:37 Interview with Mark Char: Chateau Mussar"s History 12:17 Chateau Mussar"s Unique Terroir and Winemaking 15:38 Challenges and Philosophy in Winemaking 24:37 Fermentation Techniques and Practices 25:48 History and Varietals of Chateau Mussar Reds 27:39 Blending Philosophy and Techniques 32:45 Unique Characteristics of Chateau Mussar Whites 43:02 Introduction to Chateau Mussar Rosé 47:19 Adapting to Global Warming 49:45 Challenges and Identity of Chateau Mussar 50:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!