Matassa Carner Rouge 2024

Domaine Matassa was founded in 2001 by Tom Lubbe in the Fenouilledes, the high hill country behind Roussillon in southern France. The vines are farmed organically and biodynamically above 450 metres, where altitude and cool nights temper the Mediterranean heat and hold on to freshness and perfume. Yields are very low, around 3,500 kilos per hectare, which concentrates flavour in a small crop. Carner Rouge is an unusual pairing of Grenache Gris and Macabeo, two pale-skinned varieties more often seen in whites, made as a light red in a natural style. Eight months in amphora allows gentle skin contact and slow oxygen exchange through the clay while avoiding the flavour of oak, keeping the fruit pure and giving a fine, dusty grip. There is no additive winemaking to speak of. The colour is pale ruby, almost rose in tone. The nose is red berries, cherry and white peach, with dried herbs and a saline note. The palate is light and fresh, the tannins soft, the finish savoury and briny. Serve cool, around 14 degrees. It suits lighter poultry, pork and grilled oily fish.