Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018

Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018

 

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Zuccardi
Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

Aged in concrete to preserve purity, Aluvional Paraje Altamira highlights Zuccardi’s commitment to terroir expression, capturing the essence of Mendoza’s renowned alluvial sites.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 97 2018
WS Wine Spectator 94 2018
JS James Suckling 94 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Paraje Altamira area is located in the San Carlos district within the Valle de Uco, Mendoza. These vineyards, at an altitude of 1,050 to 1,150 meters (3,445 to 3,773 feet), are set on a flat plain south of the Tunuyán River. The region occupies the highest part of an extensive alluvial fan, contributing a unique cool temperate climate with high thermal amplitude. These conditions foster balanced ripening, enhancing the natural acidity and structure of the Malbec grapes.

Altamira’s soils are characterized by large granite stones and gravel layers covered with calcium carbonate, adding a pronounced minerality to the wine. Massive rocks, some weighing up to 20 tons, are scattered throughout the vineyard, adding complexity to the soil profile. This distinct terroir imparts a mineral backbone and depth to the Malbec, making it an exceptional representation of high-altitude Mendoza wines.

Winemaking

Zuccardi Aluvional Paraje Altamira Malbec is crafted with a careful, terroir-focused approach. The grapes are moved by gravity to maintain their integrity, and fermentation is conducted in concrete vessels using native yeasts, allowing the wine to express the unadulterated characteristics of Altamira’s soils. The wine is then aged in concrete tanks, a choice that enhances the purity of the fruit and preserves the mineral nuances imparted by the region’s unique alluvial soils.

This meticulous process results in a 100% Malbec with 14% alcohol, 5.74 g/L total acidity, and a pH of 3.64, emphasizing the natural elegance, balance, and structure of the terroir.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep violet, with a vivid intensity indicative of its high-altitude origins.
  • Aroma: Complex and expressive, showcasing notes of blackberries, violets, and subtle hints of earthy minerals, alongside delicate herbal undertones.
  • Palate: Full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a pronounced mineral streak. Layers of dark fruit and a long, persistent finish highlight the wine’s depth and elegance, capturing the distinct character of Paraje Altamira.

Did you know?

The Aluvional series represents Zuccardi’s dedication to exploring Mendoza’s diverse alluvial soils, particularly in the Uco Valley. Each wine in the collection is a study of specific vineyard plots, chosen to reveal the region's natural identity. For this Altamira Malbec, the soils—shaped by ancient river flows—contribute a unique mineral quality that Zuccardi captures without oak influence, letting the terroir take center stage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Porcini Mushrooms with Truffle Oil: The earthy flavors of mushrooms and the subtle truffle oil complement the wine’s mineral notes and structured tannins.
  • Argentinian Empanadas with Lamb and Rosemary: The rich lamb filling and herbal rosemary balance the wine’s dark fruit and refined tannins, enhancing the savory elements.
  • Beef Tartare with Capers and Chives: The freshness of beef tartare pairs well with the wine’s minerality, while capers and chives bring out the wine’s subtle herbal notes.
  • Aged Gouda or Parmigiano-Reggiano: The nutty, intense flavors of aged cheese resonate with the wine’s depth, while the structured tannins provide a balancing contrast.

History of Zuccardi

The story of Familia Zuccardi began in 1963 when Engineer Alberto “Tito” Zuccardi planted the family's first vineyard in Mendoza to demonstrate his innovative irrigation system. This vineyard not only marked the beginning of Zuccardi's journey in viticulture but also sparked a passion for winemaking that would be passed down through generations​​.

In 1985, Tito's son, José Alberto Zuccardi, took over the management of the family business. Under his leadership, the winery expanded its operations and gained international recognition. José Alberto's innovative spirit and dedication to quality have made him one of Argentina's most prominent wine ambassadors​​.

Today, the winery is led by Sebastián Zuccardi, the third generation of the family. Sebastián has continued to push the boundaries of winemaking by exploring the diverse terroirs of the Uco Valley and focusing on sustainability. In 2009, he founded the Research & Development department to study the region's soils and climate, aiming to produce wines that truly reflect their place of origin​​.

Region and Vineyards

Familia Zuccardi's vineyards are located in the Uco Valley, a region known for its high-altitude climate, complex soils, and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

The valley's soils are of alluvial origin, formed by materials that descended from the Andes Mountains millions of years ago. These soils are diverse and heterogeneous, providing a unique environment for viticulture​​.

The vineyards are situated at various altitudes, ranging from 1,050 meters to 1,400 meters above sea level, which allows for a wide range of microclimates and soil types. Some of the key vineyards include:

  • Finca Canal Uco: Located in Paraje Altamira, known for its alluvial soils with large granite stones covered in calcium carbonate.
  • Finca Piedra Infinita: Also in Paraje Altamira, featuring shallow alluvial soils with granite stones and calcareous material.
  • Finca Los Membrillos: Known for its calcareous soils with large granite stones, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon.
  • Finca Las Cuchillas: Located in San Pablo, one of the coldest areas in the Uco Valley, known for its high-altitude and calcareous soils.
  • Finca Las Cerrilladas: Situated in Gualtallary, with diverse soils influenced by the Jaboncillo Hills​​.

Winemaking

Sebastián Zuccardi, along with a dedicated team of viticulturists and winemakers, emphasizes the importance of expressing the true identity of the Uco Valley through their wines. The winery uses minimal intervention techniques, allowing the unique characteristics of the terroir to shine through.

Most of the wines are fermented and aged in concrete vats and large, untoasted oak barrels, which do not impart any flavors to the wine but allow for subtle micro-oxygenation. This method preserves the purity and expression of the fruit, showcasing the distinctive qualities of each vineyard and parcel​​​​.

Wine Range

Zuccardi offers a diverse range of wines, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Uco Valley. The portfolio includes:

  • Finca Wines: Single vineyard wines that express the specific characteristics of a particular vineyard (ex: Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal, Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal).
  • Paraje Wines: Wines that highlight the identity of a subzone within a village of the Uco Valley (ex: Polígonos Paraje Altamira, Polígonos San Pablo).
  • Pueblo Wines: Wines that show the identity of a single village (Geographical Indication) in the Uco Valley (ex: Aluvional Gualtallary, Aluvional La Consulta).
  • Viticulturist Wines: Unique expressions honoring the history of the family, a particular region, or grape variety (ex: Tito Zuccardi, Emma Zuccardi).
  • Regional Wines: Wines made from Argentina and Mendoza's most important grape varieties from regions considered most representative for each variety​​ (ex: Zuccardi Q Malbec, Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés​).

Did You Know?

Zuccardi has received numerous accolades for its exceptional wines. In 2022, it became the only winery in Argentina with three wines awarded 100 points from Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

Additionally, Wine Enthusiast named it "New World Winery of the Year," and it was recognized as the #1 best vineyard in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards for three consecutive years (2019-2021), earning a place in the Hall of Fame in 2022​​​​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 97 Points (2018)
I loved the 2018 Aluvional Paraje Altamira at first sight. There's a bit more of everything, more aromatic complexity, more flavor and definitely a lot more minerality in the texture and more finesse. They have removed the fat in the Aluvional range; the wines reflect the soils, and in vintages like 2018, there is a jump in precision and expression. There is texture, salinity, austerity and a long-lasting finish, something not easy to achieve with Malbec. Some 70% of the volume matured in concrete and the rest in used 500-liter oak barrels. This is superb.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 94 Points (2018)
This focused red is filled with savory zest to the concentrated dark currant, pomegranate and cherry flavors that are well-knit, showing fresh acidity and tannins. There's minerally power on the finish, with dried thyme and saline hints. Drink now through 2027.

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2018)
This shows lots of structure with tannins and stones that buttress rather shy and austere character. The fruit comes through at the end, in the form of blackberries, black olives and minerals. Long, structured finish.

Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
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Tito Zuccardi 2020
TA
95
JS
94
RP
93
Tito Zuccardi is a bold, high-altitude blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, crafted to honor the visionary spirit of Alberto “Tito” Zuccardi, who transformed Mendoza’s desert landscape into thriving vineyards.
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WE
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91
RP
92
W&S
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Crafted from high-altitude vineyards in Paraje Altamira and Los Chacayes, this elegant Malbec embodies both richness and finesse, with a distinctive freshness, fruit purity, and mineral complexity.
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JS
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Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
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Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
JS
99
RP
99
VN
96
Finca Piedra Infinita 2018 is a distinctive, high-altitude Malbec sourced from Zuccardi’s family vineyard in the Paraje Altamira region, reflecting Mendoza’s powerful and mineral-rich terroir.
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Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2018
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Zuccardi
Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2018
RP
98
JS
96
This 100% Malbec from the Aluvional line highlights Zuccardi’s exploration of alluvial soils, resulting in a wine that reflects the unique identity of Gualtallary with precision and depth.
75,90 €
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Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2022
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Serie A Malbec 2022
RP
92
JS
92
DCT
91
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec is a vibrant expression of the Uco Valley’s Malbec, offering ripe red fruit aromas with a balance of elegance, freshness, and subtle complexity.
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WS
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RP
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JS
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Sourced from stone-rich and calcareous soils in the Uco Valley, this 100% Malbec is fermented and aged entirely in concrete, amplifying the energy and purity of the terroir.
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JS
96
WS
94
RP
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WE
91
DCT
93
RP
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RP
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W&S
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JS
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JS
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Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2019 is a rare, terroir-driven Malbec from a unique 0.73-hectare plot in Paraje Altamira, capturing the pure essence of Mendoza’s high-altitude soils and climate.
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RP
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JS
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RP
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RP
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JS
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Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon is a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the distinct, high-altitude terroir of Paraje Altamira, Mendoza. This wine embodies the legacy of the region, combining traditional cultivation methods with Zuccardi’s precision winemaking.
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Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019 is an exceptional single-parcel Malbec from a unique 0.93-hectare plot in the Paraje Altamira region, revealing the most extreme calcareous expression of Mendoza’s terroir.
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