Mataburro, Idoine 2023

Mataburro’s story began when former sommelier Laurent Roger, together with his partner Mélissa Ingrand, took over his family’s vineyards in Rivesaltes in Roussillon, France. The three hectares are managed organically with influences from both the clay-limestone geology and coastal Mediterranean climate. The wines consist of typical French/Spanish border varietals such as Muscat, Grenache, Syrah and Merlot, with the oldest Grenache vines planted by Laurent’s grandfather in 1949. Idoine 2023 is 100% Merlot and literally means the good stuff! Like the other wines of Mataburro, the grapes undergo a short maceration time of 4-5 days making this a much lighter and fresher representation of traditional Southern French Merlot's. Half the grapes are then foot-pressed and experience semi-carbonic maceration before blending with the other half of the juice. Light and juicy with some subtle richer flavours of molasses, maraschino cherries and chinotto. Idoine 2023 would pair well with chermoula-marinated and grilled mackerel.