Riccitelli Old Vines From Patagonia Merlot 2018

Score: 95 James Suckling - 94 Uncorked - 92 Robert Parker

Merlot from old vineyards planted in the early 1970s, freestanding on silty soils, from Allen and Guerrico, traditional areas of Río Negro. The clusters are destemmed, reaching naturally by gravity to small concrete vessels where they ferment without the addition of any foreign element, at temperatures between 26º and 28ºC. For several weeks, we do very gentle work to sink the hat and achieve a slow extraction. The aging continues in barrels of different uses of French oak for 16 months.

"Rio Negro can certainly produce an interesting merlot and this one offers some serious quality with aromas and flavors of black olives, blackberries and violets. Full-bodied, solid tannins and a mineral, stony, juicy finish. A bit of saltiness there. You need three or four years to soften. Better to keep and drink after 2024" James Suckling

"A selection of vineyards over 40 years old in the Allen and Guerrico areas, all in Río Negro, this wine is aged for about 16 months in barrels. The wood is still noticeable, especially in the mouth, but the fruit is generous , both in the nose and in the mouth.The deep flavors of ripe black fruits amid succulent, muscular tannins and herbal tones as if to give it some freshness and complexity.A wine to drink now with lasagna or take it to the cellar to open it in a couple of years." Patricio Tapia - Descorchados Guide

After countless harvests made around the world, Matías Riccitelli in 2015 began a new project: to revalue old vineyards in the Argentine Patagonia. There is a unique story of forgotten varieties, old vines that still stand the test of time, treasures that this project aims to rediscover. This is how he created the Old Vines line, with grapes from vineyards located in the Alto Valle de Río Negro.

Data sheet

• Matias Riccitelli Wines Winery
• Score 95 James Suckling - 94 Uncorked - 92 Robert Parker
• Red Type
• Harvest 2018
• Varietal Merlot
• Cut 100% Merlot
• Aging The aging takes place in French oak barrels of different uses for 16 months.
  
• Winemaker Matias Riccitelli
• Alcohol content 14.5%
• Allen Region , Rio Negro, Patagonia
• Service Temperature: 16 to 18° C
• Country Argentina
• Pairing Red Meats, Pork, Poultry, Grilled, Smoked, Roasted, Soft Cheeses, Strong Cheeses, Hard Cheeses, Sauces With Onions, Mushrooms, Beans And Lentils, Sauces With Black Pepper, Seasoned With Aromatic Herbs, Exotic Condiments, White Starches