An even lighter maceration that usual to counter a hot, dry vintage. Supple, elegant blend of 70 year old Mourvèdre and Grenache, fermented and aged in amphora and barrels. Seriously limited quantities on this one this year. Find out more.
About the Wine
Back to its more typical guise after the 2021 was released as a litre bottle of rosé, Quartet is a Mourvèdre & Grenache blend, nimble and lithe, as is the Mataburro way. Despite the baking heat of the location it's got that lovely balance of deep, ripe fruit flavours whilst being simultaneously light on its feet and brimming with energy.
2022 was another incredibly dry in Perpignan and the parched grapes were definitely feeling the strain up until some late rain at just the right moment before harvest. The result is a wine that balances nicely between their typically delicate nature and a fine frame of structure from a drier year.
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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£34
