Matias Riccitelli 'The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree', Uco Valley, Torrontés 2024

The grapes are grown in Tupungato, a renowned high altitude wine district in the north of the Uco Valley. Tupungato is the northernmost sub-region of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, where the climate offers excellent conditions for premium viticulture. The vines are planted at 1,000 metres above sea level and benefit from large diurnal temperature variations which result in a longer growing season. The heat assists the promotion of sugar levels in the ripening grapes, while the coolness of the night retains acidity levels, achieving healthy and balanced berries. The 40 year old vines are planted at a density of 12,000 vines per hectare and are trained on arbours. The sandy loam soils offer the vines good drainage.

The grapes were meticulously sorted by hand prior to vinification, to ensure the best fruit was selected. The fruit was macerated for 48 hours before being 100% fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was aged for six months in concrete vats to retain the freshness and the varietal characters of the Torrontés grape.

Matias Riccitelli is the son of renowned winemaker Jorge Riccitelli. Having worked at some of the most prestigious wineries in Argentina and several vintages around the
world, Matias used his experience, knowledge and passion and set up his own winery in 2009. His vineyards cover 50 hectares located in three selected sites within the premium growing region of Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza. This is a young and dynamic project in which Matias is seeking to express the full potential of Argentine terroir.