VdF. France (Roussillon), France - a natural red wine from Domaine Matassa, originating from the Roussillon region in southern France. This wine embodies Matassa's philosophy of natural winemaking: expressive, light, and deeply connected to the Mediterranean terroir.
Planals 2023 is made from a blend of Grenache Gris (80%) and Grenache Noir (20%)—grown in biodynamic vineyards situated on calcareous soils with Mediterranean garrigue influences—which are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts without chemical corrections or added sulfites. The grapes, often with the stems intact, are foot-trodden, and the must undergoes a short maceration of about 5 days in infusion, without pump-overs or aggressive punch-downs, to preserve freshness and natural vibrancy. The wine then ages for approximately seven months in concrete tanks or large used vats before bottling, without fining or filtering.
Planals 2023 displays a light, luminous, currant-red color with soft highlights and an aromatic profile characteristic of light Mediterranean wines: prominent notes of wild red fruits such as tart cherry, wild berries, and wild strawberry, intertwined with Mediterranean herbal nuances like lavender, rosemary, and thyme, and a subtle mineral presence reminiscent of damp stones and garrigue. On the palate, it is fresh, juicy, and light-bodied, with integrated acidity that provides tension and stimulates salivation, fine tannins, and an elegant, almost ethereal rather than powerful character, inviting spontaneous and easy drinking.
With just 11.5% alcohol, Planals 2023 embodies the idea that a great wine doesn't need excessive extraction or high alcohol levels to be interesting and expressive: its freshness and delicacy make it ideal for pairing with grilled vegetables, Provençal cuisine with herbs, goat cheeses, or light tapas, as well as for simply enjoying with good company at a serving temperature of around 14–16°C.
In short, Planals 2023 is a natural wine that celebrates the freshness of the Mediterranean, the purity of the fruit, and Matassa's artisanal philosophy, offering a vibrant and genuine sensory experience of the Roussillon landscape without artifice.
