Vint Wine Podcast

In this special 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 origins * The winemaking philosophy of Serge Hochar and its ongoing legacy * Native Lebanese varieties and the distinctiveness of Bekaa Valley terroir * Why Musar wines evolve from Bordeaux-like structure to Burgundy-like elegance * The magic of aged Musar whites and the surprise of the Château’s rosé * Global perspectives, market education, and Musar’s reception in new regions * How 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 [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], 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!

In this episode of Five Questions, we sit down with Marc Hochar of Château Musar, Lebanon’s most iconic winery. He shares the story behind their high-altitude vineyards in the Bekaa Valley, the use of both indigenous and French varieties like Obaideh, Merwah, Cinsaut, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and why their wines are built to evolve over decades. We also explore the philosophy behind Musar’s age-worthy reds, and the importance of time in unlocking their character. Marc reflects on standout vintages such as 1998 and 1983, what inspires him outside Lebanon, and the emotional connection that shapes how he experiences wine. He also looks ahead to the next generation of the Hochar family, as they prepare to carry on the estate’s singular legacy. Episode Highlights: • Château Musar’s high-altitude vineyards in the Bekaa Valley • French and indigenous grapes: Cinsaut, Cabernet Sauvignon, Obaideh, Merwah • How time and evolution define Musar’s wines • Why 1998 and 1983 are standout vintages • The future of Musar under the next Hochar generation 🎧 Listen now and discover what makes Château Musar one of the wine world’s true originals. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast 00:19 Five Questions with Mark Hoja 00:52 Mark Hoja's Vineyards and Varieties 01:27 The Essence of Chateau Musar Wines 02:23 Inspirations Beyond Lebanon 03:33 Memorable Vintages 05:03 Current Market Recommendations 06:13 Future of Chateau Musar 06:55 Conclusion The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], 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!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Cornelius Dönnhoff, one of Germany’s most respected winemakers and the current steward of the iconic Weingut Dönnhoff in the Nahe. Known globally for crafting some of the world’s most expressive Rieslings, Cornelius shares insight into the estate’s 250-year history, its transition into a world-class winery under his father in the 1970s, and his own philosophy rooted in precision, restraint, and deep site expression. The conversation dives into the nuances of Nahe terroir, how it differs from the Mosel and Rheingau, and why the region’s diverse soils make it a playground for single-vineyard Riesling. Cornelius also explains how each site finds its identity—whether destined for Kabinett, Grosses Gewächs, or Spätlese—and why minimal intervention in the cellar allows nature to speak through the wine. From the complexities of managing 32 hectares across 10 unique sites to the unpredictability of frost, rot, and climate change, this is an essential episode for lovers of Riesling, German wine, and vineyard-first winemaking. 🍇 Topics Covered: * The evolution of the Dönnhoff estate from a family farm to a benchmark producer * What makes the Nahe region distinct from Mosel and Rheingau * Soil diversity across Dönnhoff’s single vineyards (including Hermannshöhle, Brücke, and Felsenberg) * How vineyard character determines whether a wine will be dry or off-dry * Traditional winemaking at Dönnhoff, from spontaneous fermentation to large German oak casks * The emotional, intuitive side of winegrowing and why taste—not tech—drives decisions * Historical vineyard names and stories, like “Höllenpfad” (Path to Hell) and “Kahlenberg” * Responding to changing climate conditions while preserving balance and elegance Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast 00:23 Exciting Interview with Cornelius Dönnhoff 00:41 Weekly Wine News Highlights 01:00 Deep Dive: French vs. American Oak in Wine 02:45 Exploring the 2022 Oregon Vintage 03:41 Interview Introduction: Cornelius Dönnhoff 04:05 Cornelius Donoff on German Riesling 06:21 The Donoff Family Legacy 09:27 Challenges and Triumphs in Winemaking 12:03 The Unique Terroir of the Nahe Region 16:21 Balancing Tradition and Modern Winemaking 22:39 Climate Challenges and Vineyard Management 24:54 Spotlight on Top Vineyards 27:56 Exploring Vineyard Soil Types 30:15 Managing Vineyards: Experience and Intuition 34:01 Historic Vineyards 38:51 Future of Winemaking and Expansion 42:13 Traditional Winemaking Techniques 51:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], 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!

In this episode of Five Questions from the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Cornelius Dönnhoff, head of the iconic Weingut Dönnhoff in Germany’s Nahe region. Cornelius shares insights into his Riesling-focused estate, his minimalist approach to winemaking, and how he strives to capture the essence of each vineyard site. He reflects on memorable vintages like the challenging 2006 and the ideal 2015, discusses the global wines that inspire him (from Georgian traditionals to Australian trailblazers), and shares his thoughts on cork vs. screwcap closures for Riesling. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Dönnhoff wines or just discovering them, this five-question format offers a personal glimpse into one of Germany’s top estates. Topics Covered: * The philosophy behind Dönnhoff’s site-expressive Rieslings * Why 2015 and 2006 were unforgettable vintages * Thoughts on screwcap vs. cork for Riesling aging * Global inspirations from Georgia, New Zealand, and beyond * What’s next for Weingut Dönnhoff Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast 00:19 Welcome to Five Questions 00:43 Meet Cornelius Donoff 00:51 Vineyard Location and Varieties 01:28 Philosophy of Donoff Wines 02:09 Inspirations and Influences 03:22 Perspectives on Wine Closures 04:14 Memorable Vintages 06:09 Future of Donoff Winery 06:39 Conclusion The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], 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!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Charles Curtis MW, author, former Head of Wine at Christie’s in New York and Hong Kong, Burgundy and Champagne expert, and one of the most respected wine consultants in the world. With decades of experience spanning the restaurant world, wholesale trade, global auction houses, and private cellar advisory, Charles offers a rare perspective on how fine wine is collected, valued, and appreciated at the highest levels. This conversation spans the evolution of Burgundy and Champagne, the future of vineyard classification, and the challenges and opportunities facing collectors and producers alike. Key Topics: * How Burgundy and Champagne are adapting to climate change * Charles' most impactful consulting projects and cellar inspections * The evolution of domain-bottling in Champagne and the role of grower producers * A behind-the-scenes look at his influential books, including Vintage Champagne: 1899–2019 and the forthcoming Atlas of the Greater Côte des Blancs * Why maps and historical vineyard classifications still matter in Burgundy * His top picks for value in Burgundy—and where collectors should look next This episode offers a rare window into the mind of one of the wine world’s most respected figures, blending market insight, regional expertise, and personal stories from decades at the top of the trade. 📍 Wine news highlights include: * Louis Roederer’s new Brut Nature project and packaging overhaul * Burgundy vineyard land prices hit new records for the 28th consecutive year Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction to the Vin Wine Podcast 00:29 Billy Lanco's MW Exam Experience 03:12 Guest Introduction: Charles Curtis, Master of Wine 03:47 Event Marketplace News 06:46 Discussion on Champagne and Burgundy 10:56 Interview with Charles Curtis: Career Journey 20:40 Charles Curtis on Wine Consulting and Market Trends 28:38 Shifts in the Asian Wine Market 29:27 The Burgundy Book Project 34:04 Evolution of Burgundy Winemaking 38:44 Exploring Value in Burgundy Wines 41:34 Champagne: Past and Future 52:03 Challenges and Trends in Grower Champagne 57:35 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes 🎙 Hosted by Brady Weller and Billy Galanko 📦 Powered by VintMarketplace.com [https://vintmarketplace.com/]: Explore one of the largest selections of collectible wines and spirits in the U.S. Follow & Subscribe → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → YouTube The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], 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!