# Materium

- **Producer:** Maybach Family Vineyards
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €388
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, vanilla, cloves, chocolate, coffee, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

Materium by Maybach Family Vineyards is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, Napa Valley. The wine originates from the Weitz Vineyard (Leopoldina Vineyard) on the eastern hills of Oakville, at an elevation of 1,000 feet. This boutique producer, founded by Chris Maybach, focuses on creating highly sought-after, limited-production wines that reflect their distinguished terroir. The Maybach name carries a legacy of luxury and precision, a philosophy extended to their winemaking. Materium is considered a 'cult' wine, celebrated for its exceptional concentration and elegant structure, stemming from the vineyard's unique volcanic soils and meticulous farming.

## Interesting facts

- The vineyard is located near other prestigious sites like Screaming Eagle and Dalla Valle.
- The Maybach name is linked to the pioneering automotive designer Wilhelm Maybach.
- Production is extremely limited, typically between 400-600 cases per vintage.
- The wine is crafted by renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.

## Food pairing

The wine's high tannins and full body are ideal for rich, fatty proteins like beef and lamb, where the tannins bind with the protein and fat, softening the wine and cleansing the palate. Its concentrated fruit and oak notes complement the savory, umami flavors of roasted meats and game.

## Wine making process

Materium is produced using 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard block in Oakville, Napa Valley. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown employs a minimalist approach, focusing on small-lot fermentation to capture the essence of the terroir. The wine is aged for around 20 months, primarily in new French oak barrels, which contributes to its structure and complexity. Viticulture emphasizes low yields and meticulous hand-farming to ensure the highest quality fruit is harvested from the shallow, volcanic soils. This combination of site-specific fruit and careful, hands-off winemaking results in a wine of extraordinary concentration and elegance.