# Brutal Rouge (2025)

- **Producer:** Domaine Matassa
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Syrah, Muscat à Petits Grains
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 10.5%
- **Average price:** €30
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, cherry, redcurrant, lychee, rose, orange, white pepper, fennel, nutmeg

## About this wine

Domaine Matassa was established in 2003 by New Zealander Tom Lubbe in Calce, located in the Roussillon region of southern France. Originally created under the banner of the international Brutal natural wine movement, this bottling was later renamed Tommy Ferriol to mark the 20th anniversary of the estate and highlight the vineyards surrounding Mas Ferriol, the historic Catalan farmstead that serves as Matassa cellar and home.

## Interesting facts

- Co-fermenting white Muscat grapes with red Syrah produces an extraordinarily aromatic red wine at just 10% alcohol.
- The wine originated as part of the famous international zero-sulfur Brutal movement.
- Winemaker Tom Lubbe originally made Matassa wines in his living room before taking over his cellar.

## Food pairing

The light body, energetic natural acidity, and soft tannin structure make this natural co-ferment remarkably versatile at the table. The aromatic floral lift from Muscat pairs beautifully with savory cured meats, poultry, charred vegetables, and light tomato-based dishes without dominating delicate flavors.

## Wine making process

The wine is produced from organically and biodynamically farmed vines rooted in schist and marl soils. Dark Syrah grapes are co-fermented with aromatic Muscat à Petits Grains via a 3 to 4 day whole-cluster co-maceration using 100% spontaneous indigenous yeasts. Maturation occurs exclusively in neutral fiberglass vats without oak, and the wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with no added sulfur dioxide.