Matias Riccitelli : Old Vines from Patagonia Chenin Blanc 2024

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Old Vines from Patagonia Chenin Blanc 2024 by Matías Riccitelli

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The visual aspect reveals a luminous hue, ranging between pale yellow and hints reminiscent of light straw or beeswax. As the wine is unfiltered, it displays a slight, intentional opalescence that reflects its natural winemaking process.

Nose
Initially discreet, the bouquet gradually opens up to reveal beautiful complexity. It reveals crisp aromas of green apple, juicy pear, quince and citrus, harmoniously intertwined with notes of white flowers and beeswax. Subtle nuances of aromatic herbs, wet stone and a delicate saline touch complete this olfactory palette.

Palate
The attack is lively and expressive, unveiling a generous volume and remarkable balance. The ample texture is accompanied by great freshness and extremely fine tannins. Qualitative bitter notes, reminiscent of oolong tea, extend the tasting experience towards a persistent, elegant and deeply saline finish.

Food and Wine Pairing

The estate suggests pairing this wine with sole meunière or goat cheese. More broadly, its distinctive structure and freshness pair wonderfully with grilled fish, seafood, poultry in light sauces, moderately spiced Asian dishes, or roasted root vegetables.

Serving and Cellaring

It is recommended to serve this wine at a temperature between 10 and 12°C to fully appreciate its complexity. Endowed with exceptional aging potential, this wine can be enjoyed until around 2054, provided it is stored under optimal conditions.

The Pure Expression of Chenin Blanc in Patagonia by Matías Riccitelli

The Estate

Founded in 2009 by Matías Riccitelli, the current owner and winemaker, the Riccitelli Wines brand was first established in Las Compuertas, in the Mendoza region, on a 20-hectare estate. In 2015, the project expanded into Patagonia with an additional 17 hectares to revive old vines. Renowned for its minimal-intervention approach and its commitment to preserving Argentine winemaking heritage, the estate stands out for its precise plot-by-plot vinification. Matías Riccitelli crafts distinctive wines here, combining freshness and purity, that celebrate the diversity of high-altitude terroirs and cool climates.

The Vineyard

The grapes come from the Isla Grande area, located in the Rio Negro valley in Patagonia. This unique terroir is characterized by loamy soils. The vines, planted in the late 1960s, are cultivated according to agroecological principles. No herbicides or systemic products are used in the plots. Yields are naturally controlled, averaging 5,000 kg/ha, which promotes great aromatic concentration.

Winemaking and Aging

The harvest is carried out by hand in 20 kg crates during the first week of February. After a rigorous manual selection of the bunches prior to vinification, the whole clusters undergo direct pressing. Fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts in French oak vats, at a controlled temperature of between 16 and 18°C. Finally, the wine is aged for 12 months in these same French oak vats.

Grape Variety

100% Chenin Blanc