History

Matías Riccitelli, son of renowned winemaker Jorge Riccitelli, established his own winery in 2009. This Sémillon comes from forgotten vineyards planted in 1947 in the Rio Negro Valley of Patagonia. The project represents Riccitelli's commitment to rescuing old vineyards and highlighting Argentina's lesser-known grape varieties.

Manufacturing Method

Grapes are hand-harvested from 75-year-old vines and carefully sorted. The wine ferments with native yeasts in concrete eggs and used French oak barrels. A portion undergoes skin contact for added complexity. After fermentation, the wine ages for 8 months on fine lees in a combination of concrete eggs (70%) and used French oak (30%).

Origin

Sourced from the Rio Negro Valley in Patagonia, Argentina. The vineyard sits at 450 meters above sea level on sandy, alluvial soils. The cold desert climate, with significant diurnal temperature variation, allows for slow ripening and development of complex flavors while maintaining natural acidity.

Taste Profile

Shows intense aromatics of white peach, citrus blossom, and fresh herbs. The palate combines fresh citrus notes with waxy texture and mineral complexity. Notes of lemon curd, lanolin, and white flowers are supported by bright acidity and a long, saline finish. The old vines contribute remarkable concentration and depth.

Technical Details

The wine is fermented to complete dryness, showing alcohol levels around 12.5%. Production is limited to approximately 12,000 bottles annually, reflecting the old vines' naturally low yields and concentrated fruit.