Hey Malbec, Matias Riccitelli

Tasting notes

Deep purple in colour, with beautiful aromas of wild dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate. This is a complex and rich wine with smooth ripe tannins and a long finish.

Producer note

Matias Riccitelli is the son of renowned winemaker Jorge Riccitelli (Bodegas Norton). Using the experience, knowledge and passion passed down from his father, Matias decided to set up his very own winery in 2009. His vineyards cover 20 hectares located in three selected sites within the premium growing region of Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. This is a young and dynamic project in which Matias is seeking to express the full potential of Argentine terroir.

Vineyard note

PERDRIEL: With an altitude of 980 metres above sea level the region of Perdriel has a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers, warm during the day and cold at night. The average winter temperature is 7C and 23C in the summer. Average rainfall is 200 mm.  The proximity of the Mendoza river provides high levels of water retention in vines over 80 years old, with yields ranging between 4-5 tons per hectare. These unique characteristics give their Malbecs great intensity, notable red and black fruit aromas, and minerality with a very gentle structure.  In Perdriel the soils are sandy silt, and rocky, with very good drainage, promoting the healing and growth of roots. Irrigation is done by the traditional technique of flooding.

GUALTALLARY: With an altitude of 1500 metres above sea level it has a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers, warm during the day and cold at night. The average winter temperature is 7C and 23C in the summer. Average rainfall is 200 mm.  In Gualtallary the soils are loamy clay and calcareous with a depth of 80cm above the rocky subsoil. This soil has good drainage, promoting the healing and growth of roots. Irrigation is by the drip method.

Vinification

The grapes are cultivated in a very traditional way maintaining very low yields thanks to hand pruning and green harvest. These techniques allow them to obtain ecologically fit and high quality grapes. Harvest is performed manually in small trays of 20 Kilos in order not to damage the grapes. After being sorted the grapes are sent to small concrete tanks.  Ferment takes place at a controlled temperature of 26°C. Four pump overs per day and a maceration period of 20 days.

Ageing

70% of the wine was aged in concrete tanks. 30% of the wine was aged in French oak.

Grape

Malbec 100%

Food match

Lovely on its own or with juicy red meat.