Get to know:Matias Morcos, Criolla Chica

Tasting Note

Matias Morcos is on a mission or revive the old vines that are home to’Criolla’ heritage grape varieties that make up a third of the vines in Argentina. These once forgotten grapeswere formed fromyears of cross-breeding between European varieties and their descendants. This example of Criolla Chica – originally though to have arrived into Argentina form the Canary islands – has a beautiful red berry ripeness with aromas of strawberries and cherries. It is light and soft in the mouth with juicy acidity and a delicious finish. Best served lightly chilled, its a real eye-opener and a great springboard into the lovely diversity and character of Criollawines.

This is very versatile with food, enjoy it simply with a platter of charcuterie, cheeses and other nibbles.

Kate Says

“This unique and refreshing red wine has a modern feel, perfect for those who enjoy lighter, natural reds.Fun to sip while you get lost in the fascinating history or simply enjoy alongside a picky plate at a party.”

Producer Info

Matias is a young winemaker who leads the third generation of a family wine business that was founded in 1950 by Lebanese immigrants. They bought vineyards originally planted by Italians around 70 years previously, at relatively low altitude (600 metres above sea level) some 90 miles east of Mendoza City.Matias Morcos has made it his personal mission to shift the focus of the family business away from bulk wine and to hone in on the rich resources he has within his grasp: old pergola-trained vines with an incredible story to tell. He is restoring a 100 year-old winery, refurbishing and dividing old concrete tanks for small-batch production of wines with irresistible character and unique expression.

The label depicts an ancient, rudimentary method of viticulture where old immigrant vines have essentially grown feral like little trees. The task of the grape picker becomes precarious and involves erecting wooden ladders for harvesting amidst wayward branches. This can still be seen in some far-flung pockets of eastern Mendoza as well as in Salta in the far north. The majority of vines for this wine, however, are old pergola-trained characters and in this case, Criolla Chica, the Daddy of the Criolla family, aka Listan Prieto from the Canary Islands, which was brought to the Americas some 600 years ago.