2019 Matassa Ace of Spades

Notes provided by Lo-Fi Wines

Tom Lubbe is a New Zealander who grew up in South Africa. In the late '90s, Tom was working at the only estate in South Africa using indigenous yeasts and lower yields. He helped innovate and shape the wine scene in South Africa and forged the space for winemakers like Craig Hawkins (Testalonga) who spent several vintages working with Tom to flourish.  Interested in working with Mediterranean varietals, Tom managed to score a 3-month internship at the legendary Domaine Gauby in the village of Calce. Gérard Gauby quickly befriended Tom and asked him to come back for three consecutive vintages as cellar helper. During that time, Tom met his wife Nathalie, who just so happens to be Gérard's sister. The birth of their first child halted Tom's plan of returning to South Africa, opting instead to stay in Calce and start his own estate.

Ace of Spades is a blend of Carignan and Mourvedre. Earthy and slightly reductive on opening. Light and mineral on the palate. Dark berries and plums finished off with some fine, chalky tannin.