Tommy Ferriol is a natural wine crafted by Matassa, in the Roussillon region in France. Formally known as Matassa Brutal, this red wine is made with 70% Syrah and 30% Muscat Petit Grains grapes, and often features a distinct blueberry flavour profile we adore. Its super light and quaffable, ideal for a summer afternoon.
The fruit comes from vineyards around the historic Mas Ferriol near Perpignan, where Tom Lubbe farms organically on marl, schist and limestone-rich soils. The warm Mediterranean climate is tempered by strong Tramontane winds and cooler air flowing down from the Pyrenees, helping the grapes retain freshness and naturally low alcohol. Some of the Syrah vines are over 30 years old and give depth beneath all the wine’s bright energy.
Both grapes are co-fermented whole bunch with indigenous yeasts, usually seeing only 3-4 days of maceration before being pressed off to neutral vessels such as fibreglass, stainless steel or concrete for ageing. The idea here is maximum drinkability rather than extraction. As with all wines under the Brutal philosophy, nothing is added at any stage: no fining, no filtration and no added sulphur.
The 2024 vintage is incredibly vibrant and dangerously easy to drink at just 10% alcohol. Expect crunchy blueberry, wild strawberry and redcurrant fruit alongside rose petals, fresh herbs, blood orange and a slightly floral Muscat lift that makes the wine unmistakably Matassa. There’s soft tannin, lively acidity and a lightly feral edge that keeps pulling you back for another sip.
Best served with a light chill, especially alongside pizza, grilled vegetables, charcuterie or anything smoky from the barbecue. A beautifully chaotic summer red that feels alive from the first pour to the last glass.
As for the name change? Matassa winemaker Tom Lubbe told us that "It's been 5 years since we took over the Mas Ferriol, a historic Catalan mas near Perpignan. We brought it from Domane Jolly Ferriol and there has been confusion over who now owns the property. We do, and as the grapes for Brutal Rouge/Tommy Ferriol come exclusively from our vineyards around the Mas (our winery and home) we wanted to denote and celebrate that fact. Hence the name change. The 2023 was also the 20th vintage of Domaine Matassa!"
