2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
95 Points, Patricio Tapia – Descorchados 94 Points, James Suckling 93 Points, Wine Advocate 93 Points, Tim Atkin
Deep purple color. A floral and spicy nose. A complex, rich wine and soft tannins.
“The modern and attractive 2019 Tinto de la Casa was produced, like in previous years, with Malbec from Las Compuertas and Gualtallary fermented together with some full clusters in oak vats. It has a floral nose, clean and delineated, including some herbs and very integrated oak. It’s ripe without excess at 14% alcohol with some fine-grained tannins, good complexity and depth.” Wine Advocate
Specs
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
Hand harvested in small 20 kg cases, in order to keep the integrity of each cluster.
A meticulous selection is handly made prior to vinification
100% of the wine is aged in small French Oak vats for 12 months
Elaboration: Fermentation is performed with 50% of whole clusters in small French Oak vats with indigenous yeasts. Fermentation temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius. Recommended to age 10 years.
Alcohol: 14%
RS: 1.8 g/l
pH: 3.5
Winemaker: Matias Riccitelli
What’s Included
4-bottles:
4x 2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina Case:
12x 2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
“Winemaking,” says Matías Riccitelli, “is not for cowards.” A breakout star from a young age, Riccitelli was brought up in a family and region steeped in winemaking. He was born in Cafayate, Salta, a small village in northern Argentina where winemaking is everything – an omnipresent trade and way of life. He grew up between Cafayate and Mendoza, studying and working with his father and mentor, legendary winemaker Jorge Riccitelli. From there, he went on to travel much of the wine world, learning along the way, and returned to Mendoza to serve as chief winemaker for two of Argentina’s top wineries, Fabre Montmayou and Bodega Norton. His boutique property was founded in Las Compuertas in 2009, and it is here that he now focuses all his creative energies, on producing wines of freshness, nuance, and vibrancy.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Argentinian Malbec - $46 = 22.87%
As always, it’s exciting to get an email letting me know that a wine is on the way. I opened the package and the 2019 bottle of Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa really stood out. It is a great-looking bottle.
I looked forward to having a glass of wine after an action-packed weekend and upon opening the bottle and pouring it into a glass you could see that it was a full-bodied Malbec. This dark wine had hints of pepper, plum and leather. I would say it’s slightly spicy but came off as dry. The 14% alcohol content was apparent and to be honest I didn’t love it right out of the bottle. I had let it air out for 45 minutes but decided to give it some additional time as I feel as though it might need to breathe a bit.
After 2 more hours the wine was much more enjoyable. I still find it slightly too dry for my taste and I don’t taste the fruit I smell when drinking. I will say that after letting it sit the mouthfeel was good and I would say it is a smooth malbec. This is an easy drinker and a bottle you could be comfortable serving to guests.
All in all, I would say that it is an enjoyable and unique tasting Malbec. I think I am going to pass on purchasing as it was just a little too dry for me. I do have a half a bottle left so I will pour another glass tonight and report back if my mind changes at all.
Thanks to Alice for the wine, and especially getting it early and not having to rush!
Tinto de la Casa Riccitelli
I really like the retro photo label with the “I am not amused” expression on the woman. (Note from Michelle: I want this label as a poster - it’s awesome.) Checking the back, it states co-fermented Malbec, but does not state any other varietal, which seems confusing to me, but I’m sure someone can explain this. The wine does not have a foil capsule, but a very small wax seal.
I do enjoy Mendoza Malbec, but haven’t had any around for a bit, so was pretty jazzed to get to try this one.
Pop and Pour - Really nice dark, dark purple. First sip was a bit tight, but no alcohol burn. Dark fruits. brambles. A touch of black pepper. Medium-full body. definitely tannins that need a little air, and decent acidity on the back end. It was drinkable, but could use a little air.
After 10 mins - very nice. Tannins softening and no astringency. Some cherry coming through, but still with the dark fruits and hints of caramel along the way, the touch of pepper fading a bit as the fruit came forward and maybe some cloves. Still some bramble patch coming through.
Wine was paired with a top of the rib roast (sous vide), potato latkes fried in beef fat, and roasted broccoli. It went very well. I’m not sure if it would have paired as well with a fattier cut of meat, but the wine complemented this meal.
From Michelle - Wine. Lovely dark color. Long legs. Tastes like malbec. Not offensive in any way. I’m happily drinking. And refilled my glass voluntarily which never really happens. Goes really well with dinner (roast and latkes). But also I’m annoyed with the children so like. Caveat.
@rjquillin got it. I guess that makes sense, just hadn’t seen that before… or maybe I had but hadn’t registered.
Also worth adding that $13 is a pretty fabulous price point for this juice, so plenty of QPR. We’re in for a case
I’m sure y’all have done your homework already but I’ll play anyway…
From Patricio Tapia - Descorchados:
"95 points. This is a co-fermentation of malbec from Las Compuertas with malbec from Gualtallary, both harvested at the same time. It’s a meeting of two very different worlds, one above 1,400 meters, a new area in Uco, and the other at 1,100 meters in an area like Las Compuertas, one of the most traditional in Mendoza. Fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged in oak for a year, this is a vibrant, intense wine in which the sweet and friendly fruits from Las Compuertas contrast with the wilder herbal notes from Gualtallary. And the tannins are firm, very characteristic of calcareous soils. A wine with tremendous energy and strength. 1/21
Suckling’s musings:
“94 points. I like the fresh and intense aromatics to this wine with crushed berries and orange peel. it’s full-bodied with lovely, dusty tannins that provide a pleasing texture and creaminess. Flavorful and enticing. Drink now.” 4/21
I still have a quite a few left of the last Riccitelli offering, otherwise I’d be in for this. Having visited their vineyard in Argentina, it’s cool to see these pop up.
For what it is worth, took a look at the Wine Enthusiast 2021 Vintage Chart and Argentina/Mendoza Reds for 2019 was rated a 93. The last 93 rating was 2006.
2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
95 Points, Patricio Tapia – Descorchados
94 Points, James Suckling
93 Points, Wine Advocate
93 Points, Tim Atkin
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$419.88/Case for 12x 2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina at Elixir Wines
Matias Riccitelli
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jan 8 - Tuesday, Jan 9
2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Argentinian Malbec
4 bottles for $66.99 $16.75/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $154.99 $12.92/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
@ilCesare and
for the four bottle offering!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa Argentinian Malbec - $46 = 22.87%
As always, it’s exciting to get an email letting me know that a wine is on the way. I opened the package and the 2019 bottle of Riccitelli Tinto de la Casa really stood out. It is a great-looking bottle.
I looked forward to having a glass of wine after an action-packed weekend and upon opening the bottle and pouring it into a glass you could see that it was a full-bodied Malbec. This dark wine had hints of pepper, plum and leather. I would say it’s slightly spicy but came off as dry. The 14% alcohol content was apparent and to be honest I didn’t love it right out of the bottle. I had let it air out for 45 minutes but decided to give it some additional time as I feel as though it might need to breathe a bit.
After 2 more hours the wine was much more enjoyable. I still find it slightly too dry for my taste and I don’t taste the fruit I smell when drinking. I will say that after letting it sit the mouthfeel was good and I would say it is a smooth malbec. This is an easy drinker and a bottle you could be comfortable serving to guests.
All in all, I would say that it is an enjoyable and unique tasting Malbec. I think I am going to pass on purchasing as it was just a little too dry for me. I do have a half a bottle left so I will pour another glass tonight and report back if my mind changes at all.
Thanks to Alice for the wine, and especially getting it early and not having to rush!
Tinto de la Casa Riccitelli
I really like the retro photo label with the “I am not amused” expression on the woman. (Note from Michelle: I want this label as a poster - it’s awesome.) Checking the back, it states co-fermented Malbec, but does not state any other varietal, which seems confusing to me, but I’m sure someone can explain this. The wine does not have a foil capsule, but a very small wax seal.
I do enjoy Mendoza Malbec, but haven’t had any around for a bit, so was pretty jazzed to get to try this one.
Pop and Pour - Really nice dark, dark purple. First sip was a bit tight, but no alcohol burn. Dark fruits. brambles. A touch of black pepper. Medium-full body. definitely tannins that need a little air, and decent acidity on the back end. It was drinkable, but could use a little air.
After 10 mins - very nice. Tannins softening and no astringency. Some cherry coming through, but still with the dark fruits and hints of caramel along the way, the touch of pepper fading a bit as the fruit came forward and maybe some cloves. Still some bramble patch coming through.
Wine was paired with a top of the rib roast (sous vide), potato latkes fried in beef fat, and roasted broccoli. It went very well. I’m not sure if it would have paired as well with a fattier cut of meat, but the wine complemented this meal.
From Michelle - Wine. Lovely dark color. Long legs. Tastes like malbec. Not offensive in any way. I’m happily drinking. And refilled my glass voluntarily which never really happens. Goes really well with dinner (roast and latkes). But also I’m annoyed with the children so like. Caveat.
POPSOCKETS! SPA KITS! POLLY POCKETS! AWESOME!
@jasisk
co-fermented Malbec - Malbec
two or more vineyards co-fermented, not two different varietals…
@rjquillin got it. I guess that makes sense, just hadn’t seen that before… or maybe I had but hadn’t registered.
Also worth adding that $13 is a pretty fabulous price point for this juice, so plenty of QPR. We’re in for a case
@jasisk Yeah, it is a bit different than the Syrah/Viognier we see more often. Curious as to how @tercerowines or others ‘in the biz’ might label it.
I’m sure y’all have done your homework already but I’ll play anyway…
From Patricio Tapia - Descorchados:
"95 points. This is a co-fermentation of malbec from Las Compuertas with malbec from Gualtallary, both harvested at the same time. It’s a meeting of two very different worlds, one above 1,400 meters, a new area in Uco, and the other at 1,100 meters in an area like Las Compuertas, one of the most traditional in Mendoza. Fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged in oak for a year, this is a vibrant, intense wine in which the sweet and friendly fruits from Las Compuertas contrast with the wilder herbal notes from Gualtallary. And the tannins are firm, very characteristic of calcareous soils. A wine with tremendous energy and strength. 1/21
Suckling’s musings:
“94 points. I like the fresh and intense aromatics to this wine with crushed berries and orange peel. it’s full-bodied with lovely, dusty tannins that provide a pleasing texture and creaminess. Flavorful and enticing. Drink now.” 4/21
fwiw
Could be just me, but I feel the offerings have been really tempting lately. Proud I resisted the Anne Amie over the weekend. Oh, wait…
@kainc that said, this one looks strong, but no, just no.
Oh what the hell. I like Malbec. I like the label. I could use a few more reds. In for a case.
/giphy flannel-enriching-mantel
I still have a quite a few left of the last Riccitelli offering, otherwise I’d be in for this. Having visited their vineyard in Argentina, it’s cool to see these pop up.
For what it is worth, took a look at the Wine Enthusiast 2021 Vintage Chart and Argentina/Mendoza Reds for 2019 was rated a 93. The last 93 rating was 2006.
Hi, has anyone had this vintage, and recommend it? I love Malbecs and the offer looks intriguing. Thank you!