Matassa River

Vintage: 2024

Region: Roussillon, France

Grapes: Syrah

Alcohol: 11%

River is a fresh, low-alcohol take on Syrah, grown at a high-altitude site 500 metres above sea level near Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet. Winemaker Tom Lubbe has moved away from the heavy style often associated with the grape, opting for hand-harvesting, foot-treading, and just five days of skin maceration. Aged for eight months in large, old barrels, this 11% ABV red is light-footed, vibrant, and incredibly digestible.

The wine opens with a bright, youthful nose of cherry, fresh red berries, and floral violets, rounded out by Mediterranean herbs and a touch of pepper. On the palate, it is juicy and light, balancing its lively acidity with soft tannins and a subtle, salty finish. It is a charming, uncomplicated red that offers high drinkability and a clear, cool expression of Southern French Syrah.