Matassa Rouge VdF 2023 1500ml Magnum

Wine description for Matassa Rouge VdF 2023 1500ml Magnum by Matassa

Character

A burst of energy in a large format: this red wine defies the cliché of opulent Southern French wines with its cool elegance and astonishing lightness. At just 11.5% ABV, it presents a juicy, almost ethereal red fruitiness, laced with wild garrigue spice and a fine, slate-driven minerality. On the palate, it is unvarnished, vibrant and characterized by an uncompromising drinkability – natural wine in its purest form.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes hail from the rugged hills surrounding Calce in the Roussillon, where the vines nestle at altitudes of up to 450 metres amidst a landscape of slate, marl and wild macchia. Tom Lubbe utilises this barren terroir to harvest wines full of freshness, defying the heat of the region. The dark slate soil retains the heat of the sun, yet simultaneously imparts a profound, stony texture to the wine.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pressed from Carignan, sourced in part from ancient vines, this cuvée reflects Tom Lubbe’s radically natural philosophy. In the cellar, no additives whatsoever are used: fermentation is spontaneous and unmanipulated, often carried out as a whole-bunch infusion. The wine is neither fined nor filtered and, since 2015, has been bottled completely sulphur-free. The magnum format affords this living wine additional aging time and stability.

Food Pairings

Thanks to its fresh acidic structure and moderate alcohol content, this Carignan is extremely versatile. Served slightly chilled, it pairs magnificently with dishes such as braised leg of lamb with rosemary, roasted quail, charcuterie, or a rustic wild mushroom tart.