“Hey Malbec” 2023 – Matias Riccitelli

The Hey Malbec Matias Riccitelli grapes are grown in two locations: Perdriel and Gualtallary. The vineyards at Perdriel are situated at an altitude of 980 metres above sea level, near the banks of the Mendoza River. This proximity to the river provides high levels of water retention in the vines, which are over 80 years old. Yields range from between four to five tonnes per hectare. The region has a continental climate, with cool winters and mild summers, warm days and cooler nights. The soils are sandy silt and rocky, with very good drainage, which also promotes root growth. Irrigation is via the traditional technique of flooding. These attributes give the Malbecs great intensity, notable red and black fruit aromas, minerality and a very gentle structure. The Galtallary vineyards sit at a higher altitude of 1,500 metres. A continental climate prevails, with cold winters, mild summers and good diurnal temperature differences. The soils are loamy clay and calcareous with a depth of 80cm above a rocky subsoil. This soil has good drainage and here the vineyards are drip irrigated. Hand pruning and a green harvest take place in both vineyards to ensure the optimum exposure to the sunlight while concentrating the flavours in the berries.

The grapes were carefully sorted, then vinified in small concrete tanks. 80% of the fruit was traditionally fermented at controlled temperatures of 25- 27°C, with three daily pump-overs, followed by a maceration period of 25 days. 20% of the remaining fruit was vinified as whole clusters, obtaining a carbonic maceration.

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.