Vinos Matic

Matic is Matija Žerjav, a young winemaker from Malečnik, near Maribor in Štajerska, the Styrian wine region of north-eastern Slovenia.

He is the third generation of his family to work these vines and took over from his grandfather when he was 24. Today he farms around eight hectares holistically.

Matic's wines are some of the best value natural wines we know: affordable, full of energy and very easy to drink, with labels that are as much fun as what is inside.

Matic is a big believer in Šipon, the local name for Furmint. His first commercial wine was Mea, a Šipon pet nat, and there is also a Mea Rosé pet nat from Blaufränkisch, known locally as Frankovka.

Amfora Šipon and The Prince are skin-contact Šipon, Frankovka is his juicy red, and Yellow Muscat is bright and aromatic. Other cuvées include Ya Yeh, from Sauvignon Blanc, and Get the Party Started.

Check the list below for what we have right now.

The vines grow on lapor, the local marl and clay soil of Štajerska, and are not irrigated. Alongside Šipon and Blaufränkisch, Matic grows Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat and Kerner.

Most wines are made in stainless steel to keep them fresh, while the skin-contact wines often go into qvevri, clay vessels buried in the ground.

Sulphur is used only when Matic thinks a wine needs it, and then only in small amounts. The pet nats are bottled under crown cap.

Who makes Matic wines?

Matija Žerjav, known as Matic, a third-generation winemaker who took over from his grandfather at 24.

Where is Matic based?

In Malečnik, near Maribor, in the Štajerska region of north-eastern Slovenia.

What is Šipon?

The Slovenian name for Furmint, the grape behind Matic's Mea pet nat, Amfora Šipon and The Prince.

Does Matic add sulphur?

Only when a wine needs it, and then in small amounts.

What is Mea?

Matic's first commercial wine, a pet nat made from Šipon. There is also a Mea Rosé from Blaufränkisch.

How big is Matic?

Around eight hectares, farmed holistically.