Matías Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia Merlot 2022

Matías Riccitelli Old Vines from Patagonia Merlot was sourced from forgotten vines that are over 60 years old. This rediscovered vineyard is situated along the Rio Negro's riverside, in Allen, Rio Negro, Patagonia. Situated on the 39° latitude south, the sunlight exposure can be intense, but the nights are cool. These diurnal temperature swings, encourage a longer ripening period and flavour concentration in the berries. The ungrafted vines are grown in sandy, clay loam soils and are cultivated traditionally with a Vertical Shoot Positioning training system and are irrigated via flooding. Fifty per cent of the wine was aged in first, second and third use barrels, while the remaining 50% was aged in French oak vats of 1000 litres. Elegant aromas of wild dark fruits are layered with subtle hints of vanilla, chocolate and spice. Complex and rich on the palate, with smooth ripe tannins and a long, generous finish. [#intro] An opulent and deeply textured Merlot from the Rio Negro in Patagonia...[/intro]