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About the wine
The latest from Mataburro! Bright, crunchy Merlot from vines planted by Laurent father over clay and limestone in Rivesaltes. Juicy and ripe with pretty aromatics soaring over concentrated, ripe black cherries and fresh fruit - ‘it’s our Gamay’ according to Laurent. One to try chilled.
The grapes undergo a two-day infusion before aging in a mixture of concrete tank and wood, emphasising freshness and fruit with just a touch of spice in the background. A wine which shows just how vibrant and dynamic Merlot can be when placed in the right hands.
The impact of drought over the last few years in the region has been significant, resulting in a huge drop in yields and even loss of some older vines. Despite this, it's thanks to tireless work, meticulous & thoughtful pruning and strong focus on soil health that the duo have been able to harvest beautiful fruit and achieve healthy fermentations in 2024.
About Mataburro
The origin of the domaine moniker is somewhat macabre: Laurent Roger and Melissa Ingrand’s project is named for the railway line that runs just behind their vines. The first in the Perpignan region, on its opening day in 1910 two unfortunate donkeys were killed by trains. Mataburro means 'donkey killer'.
Laurent’s family were winemakers and his father farmed 40ha of vines before selling all but three in 2000. Laurent’s journey into natural wine started while working at La Verre Volé for few years. He decided to get his hands dirty and, after studies with Alain Castex of Le Casot des Mailloles, he and Melissa took over his father’s vines in October 2017. The three hectares are in one piece in Rivesaltes. Old Grenache vines planted by his grandfather in 1949 and young Merlot planted 30 years ago by his father.
To have maximum soil life he does not plough, using green manure planting instead. Vineyards are worked organically with the only treatments used sulphur, copper and some essential oils. Winemaking uses native yeast with no fining or filtration. Soils are mostly clay on limestone with some galets roulés for the old Grenache vines and deep clays for the Merlot. Climate is Mediterranean with maritime influence. The wines retain great delicacy and freshness, the mark of Laurent’s teacher shining through.
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