Matassa – Olla Blanc 2023

Description

You might have heard of Olla Blanc by Matassa?

South African Tom Lubbe of Matassa needs little introduction, other than being a strong figurehead of the French Natural Wine scene for the past two decades, and what’s impressive about his bottlings is just how much there is such a wide range to his styles.

His Matassa Rouge and Matassa Blanc are his flagship wines, perhaps more classic and expected in style, whilst still wild and vibrant.

And then there are his more unusual experimental bottles like his Brutal Orange, El Carner, Tattouine and here, his Olla Blanc.

How is Olla Blanc made?

Olla Blanc is a skin-contact smasher for summer consisting of Muscat Blanc a Petit Grain and Macabeu (usually found in Spain, but Matassa winemaker Tom Lubbe is really on the border down in Roussillon). Here, whole grapes have been left to macerate for 10 to 12 days on the skins giving it some extra vibrancy, and the wine is then matured in concrete tanks. It is bottled unfiltered and without the addition of sulphites. Very low alcohol at just 10% alcohol.

Olla Blanc tasting notes

Expect a tropical twist, with strong memories of passionfruit and peach shining through, alongside hints of apricots and a herbal, almost minty touch. There is some bottle variation, and some bottles have more tannin than others so we suggest to have with food

Interview with Matassa winemaker Tom Lubbe

We caught up with winemaker Tom Lubbe to discuss the way he works his wines and his philosophy on a matter of topics. Check it out below and subscribe on Youtube for more winemaker videos like this.