Matassa Cuvee Alexandria

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Roussillion, France

Grapes: Muscat of Alexandria (Zibibbo)

Alcohol: 11.5%

100% Muscat of Alexandria, sourced from old vines planted on soils rich in red clay and grey schist between 300 and 400 metres above sea level, and encircled by garrigue, an open shrubbery typical of Mediterranean climates. Cuvee Alexandria has a very fragrant, citrusy, floral, and fruity nose. Anise and mineral notes coexist with a balanced, well-structured palate. Cuvee Alexandria is only made by Tom during the best vintages, so you can be sure that it will drink exceptionally well!

After working with the only estate in South Africa (Welgemeend) that championed indigenous yeasts and lower yields in the late ’90s, Tom came to Roussillon and interned at Domaine Gauby for several years to explore Mediterranean varieties and climate. During this time, Tom met his wife, who just so happens to be Gauby’s sister and together they started Matassa in 2003. Today most of the vineyards are 60-120 years old, co- planted with different varieties on schist & marl and yielding extremely low quantities. All the vineyards are worked naturally without any chemical aid; some biodynamic and plant preparations are used to activate and nourish the soil’s life.

Whites are whole bunch basket pressed, and reds are whole-bunch fermented with one pigéage in the beginning to get the juice out and the spontaneous fermentation started. They are usually pressed off half-way through fermentation and the sugar fermentation is finished in old demi- muid as well as large Austrian barrels where they also go through malolactic fermentation.