Hey Malbec! is a wine produced by Matías Riccitelli in the Mendoza region of Argentina.
Matías Riccitelli was born in Cafayate, Salta, a picturesque town in northern Argentina where wine is part of everyday life. After training at one of the country’s most prestigious wineries, he travelled the world taking part in numerous harvests, and in 2009 he founded Riccitelli Wines, combining everything he had learned with the teachings of his mentor and father, Jorge Riccitelli.
The winery is located in Las Compuertas, in the highest area of the traditional Luján de Cuyo, at 1,100 metres above sea level. It comprises 20 hectares of old, ungrafted vines where Malbec is the undisputed star.
The wine philosophy
Matías Riccitelli is one of Argentina’s most exciting young winemakers, crafting wines that challenge preconceptions about the Mendoza region. His wines are made with elegance and express a rawer rather than overly polished character, giving the impression of being grown rather than overworked.
The grapes and the terroir
Hey Malbec! is a fresh interpretation of Argentine Malbec, blending grapes from the traditional Luján de Cuyo area with those from the high-altitude Uco Valley. Harvest begins in early March and runs through the first week of April, with all fruit hand-picked and no chemical additives used during vinification.
Ageing continues in small concrete eggs and used French oak barrels for at least nine months. This use of concrete instead of new oak is key, preserving freshness and fruit without adding woody flavours.
Tasting notes
However, it benefits from some aeration and additional time in bottle, as it shows great promise and clearly reveals its potential as it opens up.
Ruby red in colour with violet hues. On the nose, red fruits combine with floral aromas and black pepper. On the palate, soft, ripe tannins lead to a smooth, gently sweet finish.
It reveals layers of blackberry, plum and violet, balanced with hints of cocoa and spice, capturing the energy of Malbec in its most approachable and dynamic form.
Hey Malbec! is designed for early drinking and stands as an excellent example of a fresh, vibrant Malbec—almost impossible to stop drinking.
Sobrelías Redacción
Sobrelías Redacción