The husband and wife team of Ferenc and Candace Máté are relatively new to the Montalcino wine scene. However, that perceived lack of experience hasn’t stopped them from crafting beautiful wines.
Born in Transylvania, Ferenc escaped at age eleven when the Hungarian revolution was crushed by Soviet tanks. Along with his wife and son, he works the Máté vineyards surrounding the 13th century friary they restored in Montalcino, Italy. An accomplished author , Máté has channeled that passion into the production of high end wine at their tiny estate in Southwest Montalcino.
The subject of today’s article is the latest in a series about the impressive wines in the Máté stable. The 2010 Máté Mania is pure, 100% Cabernet. I have to admit, I had some trepidation about opening this because many of the 2010’s I’ve had have been so young and tight. While the obvious quality and structure are there, they have lacked aroma and personality at this young stage. I decided to forge ahead regardless and decanted the wine for 90 minutes.
Immediately after pouring it into the decanter I could sense my concerns in this case were unfounded. The wine is a deep ruby/purple color with striking violet accents at the rim. By dinner, the aromas had unfurled beautifully. There’s a lovely ripe core of black berry fruit – the pure essence of Cabernet – that is melded with unique Tuscan tipicity. One discerns warm red road dust, leafy tobacco, roasted coffee, and fresh leather. On the palate, the flavors follow the aromas, but there is an undertone of cedar that lends additional elegance, complexity and structure to the wine. This is full bodied and well balanced, but the tannins are there and despite it drinking so well, this is clearly capable of long cellaring. I wish I had more to follow, because I think this will be stupendous on it’s tenth birthday. A wonderful effort. 95 points. Disclosure: This bottle was an importer provided sample.
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| ~ Mania is 100% Tuscan Cabernet ~ |
E vero!
John, I have enjoyed the 2008 and 2009 Cab, will need to get the 2010 as part of my next order from Mate. All of their wines (Cab, Merlot, Syrah, IGT, Rosso and of course the Brunello) are very good. Great people; great wines and great books. Joe D
Joe, thanks for commenting. I still have the Syrah to taste before I place my next order as well. And I also just ordered a three pack set of Ferencs books on Tuscany from Amazon. For something like $28. A steal. Can't wit to dive in.