Brutal Orange
Domaine de la Matassa · Collioure, Roussillon, France
At a glance
- Producer
- Domaine de la Matassa
- Region
- Collioure, Roussillon, France
- Grape variety
- Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Muscat à Petits Grains
- Wine type
- Orange
- Body
- Medium-bodied and Earthy
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Typical price
- $30-$40
Tasting profile
Complex orange color with aromas of dried citrus, tea leaves, dried apricot, and savory herbs. Palate shows moderate tannins, orange peel bitterness, and good mineral backbone.
Evolution: Develops more tertiary notes like dried fruit, nuttiness, and spicy earthiness with time
At peak: Balanced integration of tannins, acidity, and fruit complexity with pronounced minerals and dried citrus character
Structure
- Acidity
- Medium to high, balancing the fruit and tannins
- Tannins
- Medium to pronounced, notable for an orange wine
- Alcohol
- 13.5%-14%
- Aging potential
- Moderate; up to 7 years from vintage for complexity evolution
Drinking window
- Peak drinking
- 2023 to 2026
- Optimal window
- 2021 to 2027
- Current status
- Enjoyable now with complexity; best to consume within the next 5-7 years
- Current condition
- Vibrant with layers of tannin and vibrant acidity
This wine’s structure and balanced acidity provide moderate aging potential. The orange winemaking technique adds tannin and complexity, best enjoyed as flavors integrate over several years.
Food pairing
Pairs well with grilled fish, roasted poultry, Mediterranean dishes with herbs, Asian cuisine with spices, and aged cheeses.
Serving
- Serving temperature
- 12-14°C / 54-57°F
- Decant
- Yes (30-45 minutes) — To soften tannins and develop aromatics
Sustainability
Sustainability score: 8/10
Low intervention winemaking, dry farming, minimal sulfur use, natural yeasts
Domaine de la Matassa follows sustainable viticulture with organic practices and low intervention winemaking, emphasizing native yeasts and dry farming to promote soil health and reduce resource usage. The regional proximity to local markets also helps mitigate carbon footprint. Although not officially certified organic, practices meet or exceed many sustainable standards.