A spontaneous tasting in Ivano-Frankivsk that grew from a photo, a chat message, and a shared love for wine - bringing together people, bottles, and honest conversation in the cosy space of café Misto. Chapter Matassa, as it happened.
Sometimes things just align, as if someone had planned it all behind the scenes. But no one did - it was just a few people in different cities, a few messages in a group chat, and a shared affection for wine. And somehow, from those scattered threads, something whole took shape.
I had simply shared a photo from a Kyiv tasting of Cuvée Romanissa. Someone in Ivano-Frankivsk saw it and said, "It would be cool to do something like that here." That's really all it takes - just give me a reason to open good bottles. A few minutes later, I was already sorting through my stash, assembling a parcel for delivery, coordinating stuff with people. If there's intent, the rest falls into place.
And so this tasting came to be - on the 17th, at café Misto. Naturally, I couldn't resist a little nod. City 17: Chapter Matassa. Maybe a bit clumsy, but it made me smile.
After everything, what stayed with me was this quiet sense of gratitude. For the people who didn't just show up but really listened to the wine. For conversations that had weight. For sincere reactions, even the sharp ones. For this oddly harmonious mix of impressions, born from completely separate moments.
A special thanks to Kseniia, Tetiana, and everyone who was there. For your presence, openness, jokes, ratings, and the kind of participation that matters. And of course, to Misto - for being the space where it could all unfold.
Some things just come together right. This was one of them.
Very fun wine, though I still prefer their rosé. Yellow fruits, bruised apples, a touch of cider and honey, butter, and wet stones. There's great minerality here, backed by sharp acidity - it's almost salty, like a splash of seawater. But structurally it lacks depth - the wine sort of collapses mid-palate, leaving an odd hollowness behind. Still, for what it is, it's a lovely and engaging bottle.
I completely understand why this wine isn't the easiest for everyone. It's demanding - the nose promises delicate beauty, but the palate is austere, mineral-driven, crisp-sharp in acidity, and almost fruitless on the finish. And yet it's brilliant. Peaches, white flowers, lemon, orange peel, and a touch of yesterday's chamomile tea. This is not a lush or loud wine - it's tightly wound, compact, and weightless, like holding your breath underwater. And somehow, that's exactly what makes it so compelling.
Playful, vivid, and wonderfully unserious - this is the kind of wine that makes you feel like summer is already staring you in the eyes. It's an apricot-citrus compote dusted with mango, blossoms, and orange zest. The tannic structure is fun and present, but well balanced, riding on a mineral backbone. And while there's plenty to admire here, the wine doesn't ask you to overthink it - just to smile and enjoy the moment.
Light and slightly rebellious, this rosé hits best right out of the gate - when its fizzy bravado is still intact. It's like someone brewed a rosehip and wild strawberry tea and then tossed in a pinch of salt. And there's uzvar! There's spice too - plenty of it - and a bold, juicy energy that doesn't wait for permission. The residual sugar gives it both structure and roundness, leading to a long, delicious finish. Bright, approachable, but never dull - subtle salinity and spiciness keep it engaging. The kind of wine you drink in big, carefree gulps.
Pure delight. This wine dances - lithe, floral, seductive. Think rose Turkish delight wrapped in a cloud of fragrant red berries and bright spice. It's clean, precise, and deeply expressive. On the palate, it strikes a perfect chord: vibrant acidity, featherlight body, mineral backbone, and just enough youthful grip to keep things tense and electric. It's charged, alive. The kind of wine you want to open side by side with Sadie Family's Pofadder - not just for the shared grape (Cinsault), but for the quiet dialogue between histories. My favourite of the night.
Oh, this one's got character. It pours like a hibiscus-and-rosehip tea steeped in pomegranate. A tumble of redcurrant, strawberry juice, raspberries, blueberries, and fresh herbs. Earth and spice. A touch of VA. And it's so vibrant - charged and wildly drinkable. There's still some tension to it, like it hasn't fully exhaled yet. Either give it a good decant or let it rest a while in bottle. Fresh, elastic, juicy - it's pulsing with energy.
I honestly didn't expect this wine to be that compelling. Two years since we last met, and it feels like an entirely different being. What used to be cheerful but a bit unsure has now taken on the kind of gravitas that reminds me of my experience with Cuvée Romanissa 2012 and Cuvée Rouge 2014. This is what happens when you give Tom's wines the time they need to evolve.
Absolutely brilliant. Black olives, plums, dark berries, night flowers. And the palate? Rounded, deep, beautifully structured - noble and intricate. Completely seamless, with a sweet, polished tannin and just enough tension on the finish. The VA isn't just a natty quirk here - it's woven in with precision, adding depth and nuance rather than distraction.
No wonder so many people picked it as their favourite of the night.
A solid wine, and a fascinating one to sip after so many wines from Matassa. Sure, it doesn't reach the same depths as some of the heavier hitters, but it holds its ground with confidence. The youth shows - it's still a little reserved - but there's clear muscle under the surface. Herbaceous notes, pencil shavings, orange peel, and a cool menthol lift wrap around a core of good, bright fruit. Complex, but not trying to impress - just doing its own thing with quiet charm. Playful and seriously tasty.
Raw scores
Personal scores are available to event participants.
