2021 Chateau Musar Jeune White, Bekaa Valley Lebanon

Château Musar is one of the great individualists of the wine world, founded by Gaston Hochar in 1930 and made internationally famous by his son Serge. From vineyards high in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, the family has built a cult following for wines that are gloriously distinctive and never afraid to follow their own path. Musar Jeune White is the younger, more immediate face of the estate, offering a wonderfully characterful introduction to Lebanese white wine.

The Bekaa Valley sits around 1,000 metres above sea level, where intense Mediterranean sunshine is tempered by altitude and cool nights. The 2021 combines local varieties Viognier, Vermentino and Chardonnay, fermented and matured without the weight of oak, keeping the focus on aromatic fruit, texture and the wild herbal character that makes Musar so recognisable.

Golden straw in the glass, the nose opens with ripe pear, apricot and yellow peach alongside orange blossom, preserved lemon and fresh herbs. With air come hints of fennel, beeswax, ginger and salted almond. The palate is generous and slightly waxy, with ripe stone fruit balanced by citrus freshness and a lovely savoury streak. Apricot, lemon oil and mountain herbs build through the middle before a dry, gently spicy finish with a salty little snap.

This is made for a Lebanese feast: grilled halloumi with lemon, fattoush, falafel with tahini, charred chicken shawarma or whole roasted fish stuffed with herbs.Cellaring: Drink now to 2029.