Matias Riccitelli Republica del Malbec 2020

Region and Vineyards

This wine originates from Las Compuertas, a revered subregion of Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza, Argentina. The vineyard was planted in 1908, making it one of the oldest sites still under vine in the area. Located at over 1,000 metres elevation, the site benefits from cool nights and sun-filled days, ensuring slow, even ripening and preservation of acidity.

The soils are deep, alluvial with good drainage, contributing to both concentration and finesse. The vines are dry-farmed and meticulously managed, including green harvesting and deleafing in January, to maximise exposure and reduce yields. Grapes are harvested by hand in small 20 kg crates to protect berry integrity. This wine is explicitly made in tribute to immigrants who cultivated and preserved Malbec’s legacy in Argentina.

Winemaking

After careful sorting, the grapes undergo a five-day cold maceration, followed by fermentation with native yeasts in 1,000-litre French oak vats, at 26–28 °C. A post-fermentation maceration of 10 days enhances colour, tannin integration, and aromatic extraction.

Ageing is split: 50% of the wine matures in French oak barrels (1st to 3rd use), while the other 50% is aged in 1,000-litre French oak foudres, both for 18 months. This dual approach balances structure, freshness, and a fine oak frame. The wine is vegan-friendly, with no animal-based fining agents used.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet with purple edges.
• Aroma: Complex and intense, featuring wild blackberry, liquorice, black cherry, and exotic spice.
• Palate: Full-bodied yet elegant, with silky tannins, rich black fruit, and a lingering finish marked by spice, minerality, and balance.

Did you know?

This wine is not just a varietal statement—it’s a cultural homage. República del Malbec is dedicated to the immigrants who introduced, nurtured, and honoured Malbec over more than a century, helping it become Argentina’s national grape. The vineyard’s origin in 1908 coincides with a key wave of European migration to the region.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised beef with Malbec reduction – amplifies the wine’s depth and savoury richness.
• Smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary – the herbal notes and soft tannins create harmony.
• Wild mushroom and black truffle risotto – umami echoes the wine’s earthy-spicy undertones.
• Hard sheep’s milk cheese (e.g. Pecorino, Manchego) – balance of salt, fat, and tannic finesse.

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.