2021 Matassa Coume de l'Olla Rouge

WINEMAKER: Tom Lubbe
REGION: Côte Catalanes, FR
VARIETAL: Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Macabeu
VITICULTURE: Certified Organic/Biodynamic

A blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 20% Grenache Gris and 20% Macabeu. From old vines grown on a clay-limestone terroir, with red soils rich in iron. co-fermentation of red, gris and white grapes in whole clusters for 2 weeks in cement vats, with indigenous yeasts, then matured for five months in vats, without filtering.

Tom Lubbe is a New Zealander who grew up in South Africa. In the late 90’s, Tom was working at the only estate in South Africa using indigenous yeasts and lower yields. He helped innovate and shape the wine scene in South Africa and forged the space for winemakers like Craig Hawkins (Testalonga) whom spent several vintages working with Tom to flourish.

Interested in working with Mediterranean varietals, Tom managed to score a 3-month internship at the legendary Domaine Gauby in the village of Calce. Gérard Gauby quickly befriended Tom and asked him to come back for three consecutive vintages as cellar helper. During that time, Tom met his wife Nathalie, who just so happens to be Gérard’s sister. The birth of their first child halted Tom’s plan of returning to South Africa, opting instead to stay in Calce and start his own estate.