Matias Riccitelli Hey Malbec Lujan de Cuyo 2023

The grapes are grown in two locations: Perdriel and Galtallary. The vineyards at Perdriel are 980 metres above sea level, near the banks of the Mendoza River. This proximity to the river provides high levels of water retention in the vines, which are over 80 years old. Yields range from between four to five tonnes per hectare. The region has a continental climate with cool winters, mild summers, warm days, and cooler nights. The soils are sandy silt and rocky, with very good drainage, promoting root growth. Irrigation is via the traditional technique of flooding. These attributes give the Malbecs great intensity, notable red and black fruit aromas, minerality and a very gentle structure. The Galtallary vineyards sit at a higher altitude of 1,500 metres. A continental climate prevails, with cold winters, mild summers and good diurnal temperature differences. The soils are loamy clay and calcareous with a depth of 80cm above a rocky subsoil, which provides good drainage, and the vineyards are drip irrigated. Hand pruning and a green harvest take place in both vineyards to ensure optimum exposure to the sunlight while concentrating the flavours in the berries.