At a glance

Producer

Domaine Matassa

Region

Collioure, Roussillon, France

Grape variety

Grenache Blanc

Wine type

Orange

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$50

Tasting profile

Orange peel, apricot, dried herbs, slight tannic grip from skin contact, mineral undertones

Evolution: Develops deeper nutty, honeyed, and spice notes with softer tannins over time

At peak: Balanced complexity between citrus freshness and oxidative depth

Structure

Acidity

High, crisp

Tannins

Medium-high, textured

Alcohol

13.5%

Aging potential

6-8 years due to skin contact and natural winemaking

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2029

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Young but approachable

Current condition

Bright acidity and fresh orange notes, tannins are still firm but pleasant

Matassa Brutal Orange 2022 is a natural-style orange wine made from Grenache Blanc with extended skin contact, giving it tannic structure and oxidative character. The acidity and tannins suggest it will evolve gracefully over several years, peaking around 4-7 years out from vintage with complexity and elegance.

Food pairing

Pairs well with charcuterie, grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, spicy cuisine, and strong cheeses like aged gouda or manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

12-14°C / 54-57°F

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — To allow the complex aromas to open up and soften the tannins

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Low intervention natural winemaking; dry farming; manual harvest; minimal sulfur; indigenous yeasts; no filtration

Domaine Matassa employs organic viticulture with dry farming, minimizing reliance on irrigation, reducing water usage, and enhancing soil biodiversity. The winemaking is natural with low intervention, avoiding chemical additives. The estate is small and focused on local markets, further limiting transportation emissions. Packaging is thoughtfully designed to reduce material usage. These factors together justify a high sustainability score of 9 out of 10.