Matassa Rouge 2023

Domaine Matassa was founded in 2000 by Tom Lubbe, a New Zealander raised in South Africa, and sits in the hills of Languedoc-Roussillon. This natural red is made mainly from Carignan with a little Grey and White Carignan grown together in the same plots, farmed organically and biodynamically. The vines lie at over 450 metres, and that altitude brings cooler nights that slow ripening and preserve acidity and perfume, giving a fresher, lighter style than Roussillon's warm reputation suggests. Yields are very low, around 3,500 kilograms per hectare, which concentrates flavour in the small crop. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and made with minimal intervention, then aged in wood, with older barrels chosen to allow gentle oxygen exchange without adding obvious oak. The co-planted white grapes lift the aromatics and freshen the palate. The colour is bright, translucent ruby. The nose is scented, with red cherry, raspberry and dried herbs over a stony, earthy note. The palate is fresh and light, with fine tannin, crisp acidity and a savoury finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees. It suits charcuterie, poultry and mushroom dishes.