French Disko 2023 Matassa

French Disko 2023 – Domaine Matassa

Overview

French Disko 2023 is a natural red wine crafted by Tom Lubbe at his Domaine Matassa, located in Calce, in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon. Made entirely from hand-harvested Cinsault, grown under certified organic farming with the use of some biodynamic practices, this wine embodies the essence of lightness and purity. The result is an expressive, energetic red that reflects the wild beauty of Mas Ferriol. The name “French Disko” captures the spirit of Matassa itself — rhythm, energy, and natural balance, all in one luminous glass.

History and Philosophy

The French Disko cuvée was born from Tom Lubbe’s desire to reinterpret Cinsault in a modern, transparent style. Traditionally associated with southern rosés, this variety becomes, in Lubbe’s hands, a vibrant red that combines aromatic precision with effortless drinkability. For years, Tom has sought to free Mediterranean grapes from heaviness and extraction, focusing instead on clarity and authenticity. French Disko is the most playful and joyful expression of this vision — a red that dances between freshness and depth, crafted with pure intuition.

Vineyard Philosophy

Matassa’s vineyards stretch between 350 and 600 meters above sea level, rooted in schist and limestone soils exposed to the fierce Roussillon winds. The vines are farmed organically (Ecocert certified), with the use of some biodynamic techniques to enhance soil life and plant resilience. The Cinsault vines, of medium age, are hand-picked in small crates to preserve the integrity of the fruit. The combination of altitude, wind, and sunlight yields grapes of remarkable aromatic precision and balance — the essence of the Mediterranean expressed with mountain freshness.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, Lubbe’s signature philosophy of thoughtful non-intervention defines every stage of vinification. The grapes undergo a short carbonic maceration, enhancing their floral and fruity notes while preserving softness and finesse. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, without temperature control. The wine then matures for about nine months in concrete tanks, a neutral material that maintains tension and purity. No fining, no filtration, and only minimal sulfite addition at bottling — this is Matassa’s pursuit of transparency and vitality.

Tasting Notes

Colour: bright, light ruby red.
Nose: expressive and fragrant, with notes of dark flowers, red berries, hazelnut and almond, alongside a subtle spicy lift.
Palate: fresh, juicy, and agile, supported by silky tannins and a lingering mineral finish. Light yet profound, it embodies the elegant drinkability that defines Matassa’s wines.

Food Pairing

Perfect with Mediterranean dishes such as pasta alla Norma, grilled vegetables, white meats or aged goat cheese. Serve slightly chilled to enhance its freshness and vibrant aromas. A red of unimaginable drinkability — pure Matassa.

Technical Sheet

• Producer: Domaine Matassa

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Languedoc-Roussillon

• Location: Calce (France)

• Grape Variety: 100% Cinsault

• Farming: certified organic (Ecocert), partial biodynamic practices

• Vinification: spontaneous fermentation, short carbonic maceration

• Aging: 9 months in concrete tanks

• Alcohol: 10.5% vol

• Serving Temperature: 12–14°C

• Format: 0.75 L

• Contains sulfites

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Domaine Matassa – Tom Lubbe

History and Origins of the Domaine

Domaine Matassa was founded in 2003 in Calce, in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, southern France, thanks to the vision of Tom Lubbe, originally from South Africa. After formative experiences in his homeland and a decisive collaboration with the renowned Gauby winery, Tom chose Roussillon to create a personal project focused on purity and terroir expression. In recent years, production has gradually moved to Mas Ferriol, a stunning estate located between Estagel and Calce, surrounded by Mediterranean scrub and hills. Here, among old vines and stony landscapes shaped by wind and light, Lubbe found the ideal environment to consolidate his unique style. From the start, his goal has been to showcase the ancient native varieties of the region — Carignan, Grenache, Macabeu, Lladoner Pelut — through respectful viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking. Today, Matassa is recognized worldwide as a reference for natural wines, symbolizing elegance, tension, and freedom.

Vineyard Philosophy

At Domaine Matassa, the key word is natural harmony. The parcels, many over a century old, are located at 350–600 meters above sea level, rooted in soils of schist, clay, and limestone. Viticulture follows strict biodynamic principles, with no synthetic chemicals, emphasizing biological balance and soil vitality. Harvesting is manual, respecting lunar and seasonal cycles. For Tom Lubbe, the vineyard is a living organism, and the winemaker’s role is to listen to its natural rhythms. The result is grapes of exceptional purity and concentration, transmitting the force of the wind, the minerality of the rocks, and the intense Roussillon light into the wines.

Winemaking Approach

The cellar philosophy is based on transparency and subtraction. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts, often whole-cluster, without temperature control. Macerations are delicate but expressive, with foot-treading to respect the structure of the fruit. Aging takes place in large neutral barrels and tonneaux, where wines rest on fine lees for several months, developing complexity and tension. No fining, no filtration, and minimal sulfite addition: the aim is to let the terroir speak, preserving the freshness and vitality of the fruit. The result is wines full of energy, light yet powerful, reflecting their Mediterranean origins.

Vision and Style

Domaine Matassa is today one of the most poetic and pure voices of contemporary wine. Tom Lubbe demonstrates that it is possible to create wines that are deep yet agile, intense yet delicate, reflecting the complexity of the Pyrenean landscape without overpowering it. Each label — from the Blanc to Romanissa, Mambo Sun or Cuvée Marguerite — tells a story of Mas Ferriol, where light, wind, and stone unite in perfect harmony. Bright acidity, mineral texture, and effortless elegance are the hallmarks of a producer who has redefined the language of Mediterranean wine. All Domaine Matassa wines contain sulfites.