# Tattouine Rouge (2025)

- **Producer:** Domaine Matassa
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir
- **Region:** Languedoc-Roussillon, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 10.0%
- **Average price:** €37
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** redcurrant, cherry, rose, mint, herbaceous, smoke

## About this wine

Domaine Matassa was established in 2001 by South African winemaker Tom Lubbe in the high-altitude hills of Roussillon, Southern France. The estate focuses on organic and biodynamic viticulture across old-vine parcels planted in red schist and marl soils. The cuvée name Tattouine pays homage to the historical Tunisian vineyard workers who tended these steep mountain terraces over a century ago, while also referencing the iconic Star Wars desert world. Produced in limited quantities from a single 0.8-hectare plot, this bottling exemplifies the domain's commitment to high-energy, low-intervention winemaking.

## Interesting facts

- Named after Tataouine in Tunisia, which also inspired the fictional desert planet Tatooine in Star Wars.
- Co-fermented primarily from Grenache Gris, a pink-skinned white grape mutation, with Grenache Noir.
- Sourced from a single 0.8-hectare plot in Calce planted with 90-year-old centennial bush vines.

## Food pairing

The high natural acidity and ultra-light tannin profile of this light co-ferment red act similarly to a structured white wine. Acid-driven tomato based sauces, rich charcuterie, grilled seafood, and goat cheese provide an excellent foil to the crisp berry brightness without overwhelming the wine's delicate frame.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested from 90-year-old gobelet-trained vines. Whole clusters are foot-trodden and macerated for four to five days in tanks, utilizing indigenous yeasts for spontaneous fermentation. The wine undergoes co-fermentation of Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir before aging for eight months in 2,500-liter neutral Austrian oak foudres. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with zero added sulfur dioxide.