I have used the Kentmere Fineprint VC I believe is how its labeled (If not, forgive me, I'm going by memory since I am now out of supply). Gene Laughter recommended this one highly so I tried it. It is labeled as semi-matte but on Freestyle it is organized as matte, but I don't think it's matte at all. It has a sheen to it actually, but not much. And a pebbley finish that seems to really behave differently with different techniques or approaches with the brush/brayer. By in large it seems very well suited for a wide spectrum of uses.
But also, before I got my hands on the Kentmere, I did have Ilford Matte and still do and I tried it with that and wow, I gotta say, go easy on the pressure because it will get muddy quickly and dark quickly too, but it sure behaves quite a bit different than the Kentmere. I really like it as well. As a matter of fact, two of my prints which people like the most when they are looking through my physical portfolio were inked up on the Ilford paper. I'll be doing more with this paper because I have plenty of it left and because now I've figured out how to use it effectively.
But as for a first paper to work with, I think Gene's suggestion is a fine one. Start with the Kentmere.