Lebanese red winemakers have favored French grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Lebanon's Beqaa Valley has a strong use of Cabernet Sauvignon which has became internationally recognized through its prominence in Bordeaux wines where it is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Lebanese red wines also use Merlot grape variety which has a dark blue-colored wine grape variety, that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle,and Rhone varietals such as Cinsaut, Carignan and Grenache are also used.

The story of Lebanese red wine in recent times has basically been the story of Chateau Muscar winery in the southern Beqaa Valley. Owner and winemaker Serge Hochar trained in Bordeaux, and makes what are undoubtedly the region's most celebrated red wines, exporting virtually every bottle produced. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault, the top Cuvee is matured in both barrel and bottle for several years before release, and is ferociously dark, intensely spicy and cedary wine with plenty of alcohol and a haunting, savoury character that lingers on the palate.