Matias Riccitelli Vineyard Selection Cabernet Franc

Tasting notes

Dark red colour with violet shiny tones. A very complex and elegant wine with aromas of wild blackberries, black cherries, liquorice and floral aromas. Perfectly balanced with a great structure, round and elegant 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

Vista Flores enjoys a purity and intensity of sunlight due to its high altitude which is around 1000 metres above sea level. The desert climate is dry. Agrelo is situated at 1000 metres above sea level. Sunny days are followed by much cooler nights. It is this diurnal temperature variation that is the star of Agrelo's terroir, extending the ripening period which balances the crisp acidity and produces complex flavours in the grapes.

Soil

The soil in Agrelo is generally sandy loam with a deeper layer of gravelly stone, made up from eroded, mineral-rich material from the slopes of the Andes. This soil has exceptional drainage. The wines that result from these grapes are firmly structured, with great complexity. In Vista Flores, sandy clay, rock and silty loam are all found throughout the region, providing a well-drained base for the wine.

Viticulture

Vista Flores is located in the Uco Valley, the vineyard is eight years old (20%) with a yield of 35hl/ha. The grapes are 100% Cabernet Franc. De-leafing and green pruning is performed in January. Harvesting takes place from the second week to the end of April. Harvesting is performed manually in small trays of 20kg, in order to preserve the quality of the grapes. Meticulous double sorting is performed by hand, prior to vinification to ensure the selection of the best grapes.

Vinification

Temperature controlled fermentation takes place at 28°C, with four pump overs and a long maceration of 30 days. 100% of the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 16 months. Final clarification with fresh egg whites.

Grape

Cabernet Franc 100%

Food match

Best served with grilled meat, rich cheeses and chocolate.