The release notes refer to a “rare find in the Pyrenees”. That’s what I was thinking too, as I haven’t seen a lot of mataro (aka mourvèdre) in these parts. A cooler climate, more elegant, expression of this grape variety is being chased. And this goal seems perfectly plausible in the temperate Pyrenees. It’s a late ripening variety planted extensively in Spain and southern France (and one that does not typically succeed north of the southern Rhône valley). The risk is of the grape variety not ripening fully and its tannins going forth untamed in cooler climates. The 2013 vintage tasted here was picked early at 13 baumé, 10% whole bunches were added and the wine aged in 5 year old French oak. In the glass, the wine has aromatics of raw prosciutto, gravel, plums, spice and iodine. The palate is savoury and balanced, with characters reminding of spice and bitters.
Rating: Good
Abv: 13.8%
Price: $30
Source: sample
Vendors and website: http://mitchellharris.com.au
Tasted: 2016
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