Matias Riccitelli Old Vine from Patagonia Pinot Noir 2023

Region and Vineyards

This Pinot Noir originates from Luis Beltrán, a locality in the Río Negro province of northern Patagonia, Argentina. The region is characterized by its semi-arid climate, with significant diurnal temperature variations that promote slow, even ripening of grapes, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity. The vineyard, established in the late 1960s, consists of ungrafted, own-rooted vines planted on silty soils. These deep, well-draining soils, coupled with the region's climatic conditions, contribute to the development of Pinot Noir grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced structure. The vineyard is managed using agroecological practices, eschewing herbicides and systemic products to maintain soil health and biodiversity.​

Winemaking

The winemaking process begins with hand-harvesting the grapes to ensure optimal selection and minimal handling. Approximately 25% of the clusters are fermented whole, while the remainder is destemmed, allowing for a balance between fruit purity and structural complexity. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts in small French oak vats, maintaining temperatures between 24°C and 26°C. Gentle cap management techniques, such as soft punch-downs, are employed to achieve a slow, delicate extraction of color, tannins, and aromatic compounds. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 8 months in French oak barrels, which imparts subtle oak influences while preserving the varietal character and freshness of the Pinot Noir.​

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby red with medium intensity.​
• Aroma: Aromatic bouquet featuring red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, complemented by hints of rose petals, earthy undertones, and a touch of spice.​
• Palate: Medium-bodied with a silky texture and lively acidity. Flavors of fresh red berries, subtle minerality, and delicate spice lead to a long, elegant finish with fine-grained tannins.​

Did you know?

The Río Negro region of Patagonia is one of Argentina's oldest wine-producing areas, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. The ungrafted vines used in this Pinot Noir are a rarity, offering a glimpse into the region's viticultural past and providing a pure expression of the grape and terroir.​

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled salmon with herb butter – The wine's acidity and red fruit notes complement the richness of the salmon and the freshness of the herbs.​
• Mushroom risotto – Earthy flavors in the dish resonate with the Pinot Noir's subtle earthy undertones.​
• Roast duck with cherry sauce – The wine's vibrant acidity and red berry flavors enhance the savory richness of the duck and the sweetness of the cherry sauce.​
• Aged Camembert cheese – The creamy texture and nuanced flavors of the cheese pair harmoniously with the wine's elegance and complexity.

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.