Position yourself in the highest area of traditional Luján de Cuyo, in the foothills of Mendoza. This region is bordered to the south by the Mendoza River, to the east by Vistalba, and to the north by Chacras de Coria. A small terroir situated at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,100 meters above sea level.
RICCITELLI
LAS COMPUERTAS
We manage 20 hectares of vineyards planted in the early 20th century (between 1927 and 1930). The altitude here provides cold nights and ideal temperature variations to preserve the natural acidity and freshness of the grapes.
The soils are of alluvial origin, with a sandy and clay-loam texture ranging from 1 to 2 meters deep, supported by a subsoil of gravel and rounded stones that occasionally surface. We still use furrow irrigation. Malbec thrives exceptionally well in these highly permeable soils, where its roots dig through the rounded stones and reach great depths.
Our old vines naturally regulate their yields, producing wines with remarkable concentration. Generations of local families have passed down their knowledge and passion for vineyard work. It is in this traditional place that one of our wineries is located, dedicated exclusively to crafting wines from our 90-year-old, ungrafted old vines.
RICCITELLI
GUALTALLARY
In this temperate, arid, and windy climate, we practice mountain viticulture. Our soils, rich in calcium carbonate, volcanic ash, caliche, and gravel, are strongly influenced by the altitude, making this area the most important Geographical Indication in Argentina for wine production.
Our estate comprises 35 distinct plots, located on the slopes of Gualtallary, in the area known as Gualtallary Monasterio, at elevations ranging from 1,350 to 1,400 meters above sea level. In this rugged landscape, our plots take advantage of diverse exposures, slopes, and soils of remarkable variability, allowing our grape varieties to convey a distinctive mineral character unique to this exceptional terroir.
RICCITELLI
LA CARRERA
In this emerging valley for Argentine viticulture, our project unfolds in the La Carrera fan, a region with an extremely cold climate that stands out for its independence from the rest of the Uco Valley. Its unique topography acts as a “barrier” to cold fronts, generating frequent rainfall and vegetation distinct from the rest of the valley, with precipitation ranging from 400 to 700 mm in areas closer to the mountains.
Our 30 plots are planted on heterogeneous alluvial soils, with a top horizon rich in organic matter supported by a subsoil of calcareous gravel. This unique combination naturally limits plant growth.
Its extraordinary location, at over 1,600 meters above sea level, makes it the highest and coldest cultivable area in the Uco Valley. Here, the slow ripening of our grapes imparts unique descriptors to our white wines, where we achieve a natural balance of acidity, pH, and sugar—unheard of in continental Mendoza.
RICCITELLI
LOS CHACAYES
In the Los Chacayes GI, our estate is located at 1,500 meters above sea level, making it the highest vineyard in this prestigious Geographical Indication.
The soils of our estate, of aeolian origin, are sandy, cool, and situated at high altitude, with a subsoil of calcareous gravel. This unique combination allows us to produce wines with distinctive characteristics, where acidity and freshness are perfectly balanced with remarkable intensity.
