# Hey Malbec!

- **Producer:** Matias Riccitelli Wines
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Malbec
- **Region:** Mendoza, Argentina
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €18
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, black plum, violet, red cherry, raspberry

## About this wine

Hey Malbec! is a red wine from Mendoza, Argentina, produced by Matias Riccitelli Wines. It is made from 100% Malbec grapes, primarily sourced from the Luján de Cuyo IG and Uco Valley regions. Matias Riccitelli, a dynamic winemaker, founded his winery in 2009 with a focus on expressing unique terroirs through minimal intervention. This wine is a deliberate departure from heavily oaked styles, emphasizing the pure fruit expression and floral notes characteristic of high-altitude Argentinian Malbec. The blend of grapes from different elevated sites contributes to its complexity, balancing the richness of Luján de Cuyo with the freshness and minerality of the Uco Valley. The playful name and label are a nod to its approachable yet quality-driven nature.

## Interesting facts

- The wine's playful name and label contrast with its serious quality and complex winemaking.
- Grapes are sourced from vineyards as high as 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) in the Uco Valley.
- Some vineyards used for this Malbec are over 80 years old.
- Partial carbonic maceration is used to enhance aromatic intensity and softness.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of grilled meats and fatty cuts like lamb and pork. Its ripe, medium tannins complement the protein in red meats, while the pronounced fruit notes can stand up to and enhance savory dishes. The freshness also makes it versatile for dishes with a touch of spice or acidity.

## Wine making process

Hey Malbec! is produced using 100% Malbec grapes from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the fruit's purity. Fermentation occurs in small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts, with about 20% of the grapes undergoing carbonic maceration with whole clusters to enhance aromatics and softness. The wine is aged primarily in concrete tanks to maintain freshness, with only a small portion potentially seeing used French oak. Sustainable practices are employed in the vineyards, avoiding herbicides and systemic products, and the fruit is hand-harvested. This approach results in a vibrant, expressive Malbec that highlights its terroir.