Interview With Patric Matysiewski – Co-founder & Winemaker at Sauvage Spectrum

In this exclusive interview on Glass of Bubbly we speak with Patric Matysiewski, the Co-Founder and Winemaker at Sauvage Spectrum in the United States of America, let’s discover a little about his life in the wonderful world of wine.

It’s Great To Speak With You, Patric, Can You Tell Us A Little About Yourself & How Your Incredible Journey Into The Wine Industry Began?

“I started in the booming craft beer industry in Denver, CO USA in 2010, learning all aspects of high volume packaging specializing in bottling, keggin, and canning beer. Soon I was approached by the Founder / CEO of The Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery to help lead a craft wine packaging revolution in the states. From there I was exposed to the unique vineyards of the high desert of western Colorado, and introduced to my current business partner, Winegrower Kaibab Sauvage. We now lead our industries research and development with a modern breed of estate winery, Sauvage Spectrum in Palisade, CO”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Label It Was?

“I can’t recall my exact first experience overall, but I quickly fell in love with the intricate procedure when our company hired a Schramsberg consultant in 2013 to make our first Méthode Champenoise offering from Colorado Albariño. Not exactly adhering to any concrete rules, in American it can only be referred to as Sparkling Wine. The wine we vintned was called “Bubbles Universe” and was fermented in stainless steel but aged in neutral French oak with bâttonage, it spent about 1.5 years on the lees. The amount of effort involved quickly had me falling in love with the artisanal side of winemaking, especially focusing on sparkling for the rest of my career.”

How Rewarding And Challenging Is Managing Your Own Winery?

“It is not an easy task and I have seen many people attempt to even work as a Cellar Hand to quickly fall to the perils of the Wine Industry. You have to love to solve problems from every angle, wearing many hats, crossing into all departments as a small business owner. This is not really the romanticized lifestyle that people think it is. The most rewarding thing in the world is when someone enjoys our wine and mentions it without seeing me around them or noticing I am there. Offering an honest commendation on the juice makes all the ridiculously hard day’s worth it. If you can’t work at least 16 hour days for 90 days straight don’t bother, this industry is not for you.”

When It Comes To Pairing Your Sparkling Wine With Food, Do You Have Any Favourite Combinations That You Would Personally Recommend?

“A super fun pairing that’s been on my mind lately is our Sauvage Spectrum Sparklet White with a Portuguese tart, Pastel de Nata. The wine is brut in style but shows sweeter ripe fruit flavors of apricot, honeycrisp apple and an intoxicating aroma of peach and honeysuckle. A playful effervescence with some slight crackery flavors from the lees contact complements the pastries indulgently buttery crust. The lingering lime flavors from Sparklet White contrasts with the sweet creamy custard center, and offers a palate cleansing experience, ensuring the decadent tart does not become inordinate.”

If You Could Choose A Person In The World, Past Or Present, To Have A Glass of Bubbly With; Who Would It Be And Why? What Would You Drink And Why? What Would You Discuss?

“Robert Mondavi, due to his profound impact on the American Wine Industry. The innovation and position of American Wine would not be where it is today without our forward thinking forefathers such as Mondavi, even to this day his company still embraces industry trends. Even though I always reach for a glass of bubbly, we’d probably have to pour up some Cabernet Sauvignon from the storied To Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley’s crown jewel, you know, just because. I would ask him everything I can about sales and marketing, I want to understand why he’d rather petition the TTB to establish new categories of wine rather than trademarking the concept for his own (i.e. Fumé Blanc), helping to establish the standard for New World wine marketing.”

Can You Share With Us Some Of The Countries And Locations Around The World That You Can Enjoy A Glass Of Sauvage Spectrum?

“At this time we are only distributed within the United States of America, our home state of Colorado is particularly fond of our new breed of American Wines hailing from the high desert of Colorado. You can also find bottles of Sauvage Spectrum in select California retail and on-premise accounts as well as a little bit down in Austin, Texas. We are currently exploring the export market and have had great feedback in Milan, IT when visiting for the SIMEI 2024 Expo. I hope our first import could be to Italy, as we also grow a noble varietal from the north, Teroldego.”

What Future Plans Can Enthusiasts Of Sauvage Spectrum Look Forward To In The Coming Years?

“We have been embracing alternative packaging and innovative styles. Our latest product to make a splash in the market is labeled “All Day Verde”. A field blend of Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris and Albariño, picked early for low alcohol and finished with a spritz of CO2. We finished this refresher in a 12 ounce amber green beer bottle with a twist off crown cap, packed in 24 count cases. We plan to further analyze the needs of the changing wine market on a daily basis to meet demands. The 2024 harvest is showing Zweigelt to be a promising varietal for Colorado, we really look forward to seeing its potential and development over the next year prior to bottling.”

Can You Share With Us One Of The Most Memorable Experiences You’ve Enjoyed With A Glass of Bubbly?

“That would have to be the moment I proposed to my wife with the first bottle of commercial bubbly I had taken a part of producing. I brought the bottles into Playa del Carmen, MX and rented a beautiful Villa with a private chef. I kept trying to get her down to the beach, overlooking the Gulf of the Caribbean. She was basically refusing to follow me so I just popped it open and proposed to her right there at the hammock in the absolutely stunning property surrounded by jungle along with vipers snakes, capybara and iguanas. Of course we then walked down to the beach and celebrated with a glass of bubbly.”

Thank you, Patric, for sharing your story and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Photo Courtesy of Sauvage Spectrum, Glass of Bubbly was granted permission by Patric Matysiewski to use the image.