Matías Riccitelli’s Viejos Viñedos en Pie Franco Malbec is a rare and exceptional expression of Argentina’s winemaking heritage. Crafted from ungrafted, century-old Malbec vines, this wine captures the depth, complexity, and elegance that only truly historic vineyards can offer. Sourced from two legendary sites in Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo region, these vines have thrived for generations, untouched by phylloxera: 
- Las Compuertas (1100m altitude): Planted between 1920 and 1940, these vines grow on clay-loam soils, producing fruit with remarkable freshness and minerality.
- Vistalba (1 000m altitude): Dating back to 1908, this vineyard sits on clay-loam soil with rocky sublayers, yielding grapes of intense concentration and structure.
Riccitelli practices sustainable viticulture, avoiding herbicides and systemic treatments to allow the terroir to shine through in its purest form.

Winemaking: The hand-harvested grapes are gently destemmed and moved by gravity into small concrete vats, where they ferment naturally with indigenous yeasts at controlled temperatures (26–28°C). Gentle extraction techniques ensure a refined balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels of varying ages, enhancing its complexity while preserving its vibrant character.

Tasting notes: A powerful yet refined Malbec, brimming with dark fruit flavors—blackberry, plum, and cassis—layered with floral violet notes and hints of spice. The palate is structured and elegant, with silky tannins and a long, lingering finish that speaks to the wine’s high-altitude origins.

Food pairing: Perfect alongside grilled red meats, game dishes, and aged cheeses, this Malbec is a standout choice for those seeking a wine with both intensity and finesse.

Alcohol content: 14% vol.

Serving temperature: 16–18°C

Awards: Tim Atkin 94/100

Delivery during 2-3 working days.