Matias Riccitelli The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Bonarda 2021

Region and Vineyards

This Bonarda is sourced from Vistalba, in the heart of Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Situated at an altitude of 1,050 metres, the vineyard benefits from a continental climate marked by warm days and cold nights. These conditions allow for slow, even ripening, promoting sugar concentration and acid retention, critical for balancing Bonarda’s naturally vigorous character.

The vines average 60 years of age and are trained in espaldera (vertical shoot positioning) to control yields. The soils are clay-loam over rocky subsoil, offering good drainage while encouraging deep root development. Flood irrigation, still traditional in this part of Mendoza, is used judiciously. A green harvest and deleafing in December, followed by hand-picking in small 20 kg trays, ensure optimum grape quality.

Winemaking

After a careful manual harvest, the grapes are hand-sorted to ensure only pristine fruit is used. The vinification includes both destemmed and whole-cluster fermentation, encouraging aromatic lift and structure. Fermentation is conducted in open, square concrete vats, using native yeasts at controlled temperatures of 26–28 °C, lasting several weeks for slow, complete extraction.

The wine is aged for 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels, which impart subtle integration and mouthfeel without masking the grape's varietal character. No additions or fining agents are used, and the wine is suitable for vegans.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple with vivid reflections.
• Aroma: Intense bouquet of dark berries, red fruit, mint, and layers of chocolate and licorice.
• Palate: Silky and concentrated, with ripe tannins, rich fruit core, and a long, smooth finish. A refreshing mineral edge adds elegance and balance.

Did you know?

Bonarda—historically Argentina’s second most planted grape after Malbec—was once overlooked for its productivity. But in the hands of producers like Riccitelli, especially from old-vine sites at high altitude, it’s now being redefined as a source of vibrant, structured, and age-worthy wines. This cuvée reflects Riccitelli’s belief in elevating forgotten grapes through precision and respect for terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lamb cutlets with rosemary and garlic – bold fruit and herbaceous complexity match beautifully.
• Grilled sausages with caramelized onions – richness meets the wine’s soft tannins and spice.
• Roasted beet and goat cheese salad – earthy-sweet contrast with the wine’s vibrant freshness.
• Dark chocolate and berry tart – echoes the wine’s fruit core and subtle bitterness.

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.