Matassa - Tom Lubbe: Roussillon's Maverick Natural Winemaker
Tom Lubbe, a New Zealander by birth and raised in South Africa, is the visionary winemaker behind Domaine Matassain the Roussillon region of southern France. Established in 2003, Matassa has earned a cult following and is considered a benchmark for natural winemaking globally.
Lubbe's journey to the Roussillon was sparked by a desire to work with Mediterranean grape varieties, leading him to an influential internship with the legendary Gérard Gauby, who later became his brother-in-law. This experience deeply shaped his philosophy, solidifying his commitment to minimal intervention.
At Matassa, Tom Lubbe manages approximately 20 hectares of vines, primarily old-vine Macabeu, Grenache Gris, Muscat d'Alexandrie, Carignan, Lledoner Pelut, and Mourvèdre. These vineyards, some over 100 years old, are meticulously farmed using organic and biodynamic principles (certified organic), with a strong emphasis on soil health and biodiversity. Lubbe is renowned for his early harvests, which result in wines with naturally lower alcohol and vibrant acidity, even in the warm Roussillon climate. He firmly believes in the importance of a living soil, fostering robust insect life, particularly worms, which he credits with enhancing the wines' flavors and reducing alcohol levels over time.
In the cellar, Lubbe's approach is uncompromisingly natural. Fermentations occur spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and there is no temperature control, fining, or filtration. His white wines often undergo skin maceration, resulting in captivating orange wines. For reds, he favors whole-cluster infusions. Crucially, Matassa wines are made with little to no added sulfur dioxide at any stage. While defying traditional classifications (many wines are simply labeled "Vin de France"), his wines are expressive, terroir-driven, and highly sought after for their purity, energy, and remarkable drinkability. Tom Lubbe's independent spirit and radical honesty have made Matassa a true icon in the world of natural wine
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Online Retailers/Importers with Broad International Reach:
Gourmet Hunters (Spain-based, ships internationally) - https://www.gourmethunters.com/en_CH/wines/Winery_Domaine+Matassa
Decántalo (Spain-based, ships to various countries) - https://www.decantalo.com/cy/en/matassa-coume-de-l-olla-blanc.html (Check their main site for full Matassa range)
Petites Caves (France-based, ships internationally) - https://www.petitescaves.com/a/l/en/collections/domaine-matassa
Newcomer Wines (UK-based, ships within UK and possibly some EU) - https://newcomerwines.com/collections/matassa-tom-lubbe
OFF GRID (Germany-based, ships across EU) - https://offgrid.wine/collections/domaine-matassa
Primal Wine (US-based online natural wine store) - https://primalwine.com/ (Search for "Matassa")
Notable Retailers/Distributors by Region:
United States:
Louis/Dressner Selections (Major US Importer for Matassa) - https://louisdressner.com/producers/matassa (Check their website for a list of retailers they supply in your state.)
Diversey Wine (Chicago, IL) - https://www.diverseywine.com/blog/2020/08/21/matassa (Check their current stock.)
Lundgren Wines (US-based importer/retailer, ships to select states) - https://www.lundgrenwines.com/matassa
Many independent natural wine shops in major US cities will often carry small allocations of Matassa wines.