Mataburro is a natural wine domaine located in Rivesaltes, within the Roussillon region of southern France. Established in 2017 by Laurent Roger and Mélissa Ingrand, the winery is named after a nearby railway line—“Mataburro” translates to “donkey killer” in Catalan, referencing a tragic incident in 1910 when two donkeys were struck by a train on its inaugural journey .

Founders and Philosophy

Laurent Roger hails from a lineage of winemakers; his grandfather planted Grenache vines in 1949, and his father expanded the vineyard in the 1990s with Merlot. Although his father sold most of the family's 40 hectares in 2000, he retained three hectares, which Laurent and Mélissa later revitalized. Laurent's passion for natural wine was kindled during his tenure at Paris's renowned wine bar, Le Verre Volé. He further honed his skills under the mentorship of Alain Castex of Le Casot des Mailloles, a pivotal figure in the natural wine movement Vineyard and Winemaking Practices

The estate's vineyards span approximately 6.5 hectares, encompassing eight grape varieties: Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Merlot, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Macabeu, Muscat Petit Grain, and Muscat d’Alexandrie . Emphasizing biodiversity and soil vitality, Laurent and Mélissa employ organic and biodynamic farming methods, eschewing plowing in favor of green manure planting. They utilize minimal treatments, limited to sulfur, copper, and essential oils .

In the cellar, their approach is non-interventionist: fermentations rely on native yeasts, with no fining, filtration, or added sulfites. Short macerations and gentle infusions are preferred to produce wines that are light, fresh, and aromatic .

Notable Wines

• Otium: A 100% Grenache cuvée from 80-year-old vines, characterized by its bright cherry fruit and light body.

• Idoine: A blend of Merlot and Grenache, offering juicy, mineral notes reminiscent of fresh candy

• Totem: A darker red wine made from Mourvèdre and Grenache, aged in amphora and barrels, showcasing dark fruits and smooth tannins

• Quartet: A blend of Mourvèdre and Grenache, noted for its balance of ripe fruit flavors and refreshing acidity.

• Memo: A lighter, salty Macabeu wine from a parcel that once belonged to Laurent’s grandfather.

• Guru 2023: A tribute to Alain Castex, this cuvée is crafted from Grenache Gris, Macabeu, and Grenache Noir, aged in amphorae for five months

Mataburro's wines are celebrated for their delicate structure, freshness, and expressive character, reflecting both the Mediterranean terroir and the winemakers' commitment to natural practices.