Matias Riccitelli Vina Extrema Chacayes Malbec 2019

Region and Vineyards

Los Chacayes is a prized Geographical Indication in the Tunuyán department of the Uco Valley (Mendoza), framed by the Andes. The area's altitude—around 1,500 metres—delivers intense UV light, cool nights and significant diurnal shifts that preserve acidity and aromatics in Malbec. Winds funnel down the Andes, keeping bunches dry and disease pressure low. Rainfall is sparse, so drip irrigation from Andean meltwater is used judiciously to maintain vine balance.

Soils are stony and calcareous, dominated by alluvial and colluvial deposits with plentiful rounded river stones and patches of calcium-carbonate-rich silt. These free-draining profiles restrict vigor, concentrate berries and contribute the region's hallmark mineral line. Riccitelli's "Viñas Extremas" parcel sits at the cooler, wind-exposed edge of the GI, where low yields and small berries deliver vibrant color, lifted florals and fine, chalk-textured tannins.

Winemaking

The 2019 is 100% Malbec from hand-harvested fruit in small crates to protect berry integrity. After careful sorting, fermentation proceeds with native yeasts in small concrete vessels to foreground place over recipe. A portion of whole clusters (≈30%) is included to enhance aromatic lift, tension and tannin finesse; temperature control remains moderate to safeguard fruit purity.

Post-ferment, the wine matures 16 months in French oak barrels of varied use, adding gentle frame and oxygenation rather than overt flavor. Sulphur is kept sensible and rackings are minimal to retain texture and detail. The 2019 vintage in Uco Valley favored freshness and precision, yielding a poised, saline-noted style with excellent ageing potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple-ruby, with vivid blue-violet highlights and a tight, youthful rim.
• Aroma: Blackberry, mulberry and black plum with violet, lavender and dried rose; hints of white pepper, black tea, cocoa nib and graphite over a cool, chalky undertone.
• Palate: Medium to medium-full body; sleek black-fruit core lifted by bright acidity. Ultra-fine, powdery tannins carry notes of blueberry skin, anise, crushed rock and a subtle saline snap. Long, focused finish with refined oak integration.

Did you know?

Los Chacayes was officially recognized as a Geographical Indication in 2017, after years of producer-led work to define Argentina's fine-wine map. Its high, stony terraces are now among the country's most sought-after terroirs for Malbec.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Fire-grilled ribeye with chimichurri: The wine's acidity and mineral line refresh the palate, while fine tannins mirror the sear and protein of the steak.
• Roasted lamb shoulder with herbs: Savory rosemary and thyme echo Malbec's herbal/floral tones; juicy fruit complements slow-cooked richness.
• Mushroom and black-garlic risotto: Umami depth and creamy texture meet the wine's graphite, cocoa and saline edge without overpowering it.
• Spiced aubergine with tahini and pomegranate: Sweet-smoky aubergine and gentle spice align with dark fruit and peppery lift; acidity counters tahini's richness.

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.