Matias Riccitelli Hey Malbec 2023

Region and Vineyards

Hey Malbec is sourced from two prime vineyard sites in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo: Perdriel (980 m) and Gualtallary (1,500 m). Perdriel’s 80-year-old vines grow near the Mendoza River on sandy-silt and rocky soils with traditional flood irrigation. This site contributes richness, soft structure, and expressive red and black fruits.

Gualtallary, by contrast, sits at a much higher altitude and provides loamy-clay, calcareous soils above rocky subsoils. The diurnal temperature swings here and the drip irrigation system foster slow ripening, freshness, and mineral-driven complexity. Together, the two sites create a wine that is both generous and sculpted, blending depth with aromatic lift.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested and sorted, then vinified in small concrete vats. Fermentation for 80% of the fruit took place at 25–27 °C, with daily pump-overs and a 25-day maceration for optimal color, tannin, and fruit extraction. The remaining 20% underwent carbonic maceration as whole clusters, contributing aromatic lift and softness.

Crucially, the wine was made without any oak influence—preserving purity of fruit and a fresh, vibrant profile. This choice also highlights Malbec’s more elegant, spicy, and floral side, distinct from traditional oaked expressions.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple hues.
• Aroma: Wild blackberry, crushed violet, dried fig, vanilla, black olive, and a touch of dark chocolate.
• Palate: Juicy and layered, with black fruits, floral notes, and peppery spice. Soft, ripe tannins frame a long, opulent finish.

Did you know?

Matías Riccitelli, son of legendary winemaker Jorge Riccitelli, founded his own winery in 2009. A globetrotting vintner and innovator, he’s known for pushing boundaries while staying rooted in Argentine terroir. Hey Malbec is as much a stylistic statement as it is a wine—pure fruit, minimal intervention, and expressive energy, reflecting Mendoza’s evolution beyond traditional styles.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled lamb with chimichurri – bright fruit and spice lift the herbs and charred richness.
• Mushroom and black bean tacos – dark fruit and soft tannins complement earthy, smoky flavors.
• Roasted aubergine with tahini and pomegranate – the wine’s floral and savoury notes balance sweet and umami layers.
• Dry-aged burger with manchego – fruit weight and freshness cut through richness with ease.

History of Matías Riccitelli

The Riccitelli project was born in 2009, when Matías Riccitelli—son of legendary Argentine winemaker Jorge Riccitelli—decided to create his own path. After gaining experience in some of Argentina’s most prestigious wineries and working harvests abroad in Bordeaux and South Africa, Matías established his eponymous winery in Las Compuertas, one of Luján de Cuyo’s oldest and highest zones.

Driven by a desire to blend tradition with innovation, Matías quickly made a name for himself through minimal intervention winemaking, precise vineyard work, and a deep respect for historical sites and forgotten varieties. His father Jorge joined him on select projects—most notably Riccitelli & Father—symbolising the union of two generations and two philosophies.

From the outset, the estate has focused on small-lot, characterful wines that express both place and personality. Matías has helped revive old-vine Semillón, spotlight single-vineyard Malbecs, and explore cool-climate varietals like Cabernet Franc, Bastardo (Trousseau), and Torrontés in Patagonia and the Uco Valley.

Region and Vineyards

Riccitelli Wines operates from its base in Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo), a high-altitude region known for its old vines and distinctive alluvial soils. The estate cultivates low-yielding plots, including a Malbec vineyard planted in 1927, where organic and sustainable practices are standard.

In addition to Las Compuertas, Riccitelli sources fruit from select parcels in the Uco Valley—including Gualtallary, Altamira, Vista Flores, and Los Chacayes—at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 metres. These zones offer cooler climates, rocky soils, and precise diurnal temperature variation, which allow for fresh, aromatic, age-worthy wines.

Further south in Río Negro (Patagonia), Riccitelli works with heritage vineyards planted in the 1960s and earlier, reviving rare grapes like Bastardo and Semillón. These old vines thrive in semi-desert conditions with sandy-loam soils, contributing freshness, low alcohol, and natural elegance to the wines.

Wine Range of Matías Riccitelli

The portfolio is structured around several key lines:

• Old Vines from Patagonia: Rare varietals (Bastardeau, Semillón, Pinot Noir) from 50–80-year-old vines in Río Negro.
• Vineyard Selection / Viñedo de Montaña: Focused on single-varietal expressions (Cabernet Franc, Malbec) from high-altitude Mendoza vineyards.
• The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far from the Tree: A playful yet serious range highlighting varietal typicity - Malbec, Bonarda, Torrontés - crafted with minimal intervention.
• Riccitelli & Father: A multi-generational collaboration, blending Malbec and Cabernet Franc in an elegant, age-worthy style.
• República del Malbec: A tribute to Argentina’s Malbec heritage, sourced from pre-phylloxera vines planted in 1908.
• Hey Malbec!: A vibrant, juicy take on Malbec, intended for early enjoyment and pure fruit expression.

Did you know?

Matías Riccitelli was one of the first winemakers in Mendoza to work extensively with Bastardo (Trousseau), a variety almost extinct in South America. His version from Patagonia has helped revive global interest in the grape, once considered too delicate for Argentine terroir.