Matias Riccitelli Old Vines Merlot from Patagonia 2016
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 terroir. Vintage 2015 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%
Awards 94Pts, James Suckling, 2017 Silver, SWA, 2018
Winemaker: Matias Riccitelli
Region: Patagonia Sub region: Rio Negro Country: Argentina
Alcohol: 14.5%
BodyValue: E (A islight, E is full bodied)
Residual Sugar: 1.8
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Milk/Eggs: No/No
Organic/Biodynamic No/No
