Matias Riccitelli The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree Torrontes 2024

Region and Vineyards

This Torrontés is grown in Tupungato, a premier sub-region of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. Situated at 1,000 metres above sea level, the vineyard enjoys a cool continental climate with pronounced diurnal temperature variation - warm days to promote sugar development and cool nights to retain acidity. These conditions are ideal for preserving the floral and citrus character of Torrontés while achieving excellent ripeness.

The 40-year-old vines are planted at high density (12,000 vines/ha) and trained on arbours, a traditional system used to shield grapes from excessive sun exposure. The sandy-loam soils offer excellent drainage, encouraging deep root growth and healthy, balanced fruit.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested and meticulously sorted, ensuring only the best fruit is selected. After harvest, the fruit is cold macerated for 48 hours to enhance aromatic intensity and texture. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats using native yeasts, preserving the purity of the fruit and the varietal expression.

The wine is then aged for six months in concrete vats, maintaining its freshness, crisp acidity, and floral character. No oak is used, and the wine is vegan-friendly, unfiltered and unfined, with 1.8 g/L residual sugar and 12.5% alcohol.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale straw with silver highlights.
• Aroma: Expressive nose of rose petals, white peach, green apple, and citrus blossom, with a subtle spicy mango note.
• Palate: Crisp and vibrant, with a mouthful of fresh fruit, bright acidity, and a long, floral finish that’s both refreshing and aromatic.

Did you know?

Torrontés is often called Argentina’s signature white grape, yet it is a genetic cross between Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica (a Mission grape). Riccitelli’s high-altitude interpretation revives the grape’s natural elegance and aromatic purity, steering away from the often overly perfumed, low-acid expressions of the past.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Ceviche with lime and coriander – the wine’s acidity and citrus notes enhance the freshness of raw fish.
• Spicy Thai green curry – floral aromatics and slight sweetness tame heat while complementing spice.
• Grilled halloumi with mango and mint – herbal, fruity, and savoury elements are mirrored in the wine’s aromatic profile.
• Goat cheese salad with citrus vinaigrette – brightness and floral lift meet creamy acidity.

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.