Matias Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia Bastardo 2023

Region and Vineyards

This wine hails from the Alto Valle de Río Negro, one of Argentina’s southernmost and coolest wine regions. Located in northern Patagonia, this high-latitude zone benefits from a semi-desert climate, with strong sun exposure, low humidity, and dramatic day-night temperature shifts, which are ideal for preserving natural acidity and developing elegant aromatics.

The grapes come from a single, old parcel of 50-year-old Bastardo vines—locally called Bastardeau—planted on alluvial soils rich in clay and limestone. These deep-rooted vines are dry-farmed and grow in a region defined by the convergence of riverbeds and wind-swept plains, imparting an unmistakable sense of place. The vineyard is farmed sustainably, without irrigation, and harvested by hand at optimal phenolic ripeness, preserving freshness and energy.

Winemaking

Matías Riccitelli employs a minimalist, non-interventionist approach. The grapes are hand-harvested, 100% destemmed, and fermented using indigenous yeasts in small concrete vats. Maceration lasts for 25 days at controlled temperatures (24–26 °C), allowing for gentle extraction of colour, aromatics, and tannins without overworking the must.

Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 8 months in used French oak barrels, which impart structure and oxygenation without masking the variety’s delicate character. The wine is then bottled unfiltered and unfined, showcasing Riccitelli’s commitment to transparency and terroir expression. Alcohol is naturally moderate at 12.5%, further reinforcing its light, agile frame.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale ruby with bright garnet hues, hinting at a delicate extraction.
• Aroma: A lifted bouquet of wild strawberry, sour cherry, rose petal, and subtle spice, alongside hints of forest floor and crushed herbs.
• Palate: Light to medium-bodied, with vibrant acidity and fine tannins. Notes of red currant, pomegranate, white pepper, and a gentle mineral streak lead into a long, savoury finish.

Did you know?

Bastardeau is the Argentine name for Bastardo, also known as Trousseau in Jura or Merenzao in Galicia. Rarely seen in South America, Riccitelli’s revival of this variety in Patagonia offers a distinctly Atlantic, Old World-style red, bridging Argentine terroir with European elegance. This bottling is part of Riccitelli’s Old Vines From Patagonia project, which celebrates forgotten varieties from historic vineyards.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled duck breast with cranberry jus – the wine’s acidity and red fruit play beautifully with the game and berry notes.
• Porcini mushroom risotto – earthy and umami-driven, this dish complements the wine’s savoury layers.
• Charcuterie and aged Comté – delicate tannins and acidity cut through fat while echoing the wine’s spice and finesse.
• Herb-roasted quail or partridge – light meats allow the wine’s aromatic profile to shine without being overpowered.

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.