Matías Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia Merlot 2016
Matías Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia Merlot was sourced from forgotten vines that are over 50 years old. This rediscovered vineyard is situated along the Rio Negro's riverside, in Allen, Rio Negro, Patagonia. Situated on the 39° latitude south, the sunlight exposure can be intense, but the nights are cool. These diurnal temperature swings, encourage a longer ripening period and flavour concentration in the berries.
The ungrafted vines are grown in sandy, clay loam soils and are cultivated traditionally with a Vertical Shoot Positioning training system and are irrigated via flooding. Fifty per cent of the wine was aged in first, second and third use barrels, while the remaining 50% was aged in French oak vats of 1000 litres.
Elegant aromas of wild dark fruits are layered with subtle hints of vanilla, chocolate and spice. Complex and rich on the palate, with smooth ripe tannins and a long, generous finish.
Wine File
The Producer Matias Riccitelli | Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
Matías Riccitelli is the son of renowned Bodegas Norton winemaker Jorge Riccitelli. Having worked at one of the most prestigious wineries in Argentina (Fabre Montmayou) and using the experience, knowledge and passion passed down from...
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The Region Patagonia | Argentina
The Patagonia wine region of Argentina is South America's southernmost wine-producing region. Its name triggers images of vast and desolate expanses of land, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean - endless beaches, exotic animals - and by mountains and...
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The Primary Grape Merlot
Merlot is a very popular red wine grape variety with big red and black fruit flavours of raspberries, ripe strawberries, plum and blackberry, giving the wine a softer taste. It is invaluable in the production or red wines from Bordeaux, particularly...