Matias Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia Merlot

Opulent and deeply textured, this complex and intense wine has lovely herbal aromatics of lavender and rosemary complemented by wild dark fruits and hints of chocolate.

Producer Note

Matias Riccitelli is the son of renowned winemaker Jorge Riccitelli. Having worked at some of the most prestigious wineries in Argentina and several vintages around the world, Matias used his experience, knowledge and passion and set up his own winery in 2009. His vineyards cover 50 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.

Vintage

2016 was a typical vintage for the Rio Negro region. Throughout the growing season, rainfall was low and the wide thermal amplitude resulted in healthy, ripe grapes with a good concentration of flavour.

Vineyard

This Merlot was sourced from forgotten vines that are over 50 years old. This rediscovered vineyard is situated along the Rio Negro's riverside, in Allen, Rio Negro, Patagonia. Situated on the 39° latitude south, the sunlight exposure can be intense, but the nights are cool. These diurnal temperature swings, encourage a longer ripening period and flavour concentration in the berries. The ungrafted vines are grown in sandy, clay loam soils and are cultivated traditionally with a Vertical Shoot Positioning training system and are irrigated via flooding.

Winemaking

The grapes were harvested at optimal levels of maturity. Carefully sorted, the berries were transferred into small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts. A cold maceration lasted for five days, followed by the fermentation at controlled temperatures of between 26° to 28°C. A long post-fermentation maceration lasted for 20 days. 50% of the wine was aged in first, second and third use barrels, while the remaining 50% was aged in French oak vats of 1,000 litres.

Tasting Note

Elegant aromas of wild dark fruits are layered with subtle hints of vanilla, chocolate and spice. Complex and rich on the palate, with smooth ripe tannins and a long generous finish.

Serving Suggestion

A great match with grilled meats, roasted duck or hard cheese.

Grape

Merlot 100%