Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Gualtallary region in Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, lies at the foot of the Frontal Mountain Range at 1,300 to 1,385 meters (4,265 to 4,544 feet). Known as a high-altitude desert, Gualtallary’s terroir is characterized by a temperate and arid climate, with ample sunlight and notable diurnal temperature variation. The selected vineyard parcels are located in an area known as “Monasterio,” set within a small valley at the base of the Jaboncillo Hills. This rugged landscape is defined by its thorny bushes, desert flora, and jarilla herbs, which grow alongside Malbec vines.

The soils in Gualtallary are alluvial, formed millions of years ago by water flows from the Andes that deposited stones, caliche, and minerals along the mountain slopes. For this Malbec, Zuccardi selected parcels rich in caliche and stones coated with calcareous material. This soil composition contributes to the wine’s distinctive minerality, structure, and depth, making it a unique expression of Gualtallary’s terroir.

Winemaking

Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec is produced with meticulous care, beginning with gravity-fed movement of the grapes to preserve their integrity. Fermentation takes place in concrete vessels with native yeasts, ensuring that the wine’s flavor profile authentically reflects the terroir. After fermentation, the wine is aged in concrete vessels, allowing the wine to develop complexity and structure while maintaining its purity and vibrancy without the influence of oak.

The result is a 100% Malbec that embodies the natural expression of Gualtallary’s unique terroir. With an alcohol content of 14%, total acidity of 6.1 g/L, and a pH of 3.62, this wine has a structured yet fresh profile, emphasizing the high-altitude character of the region.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vibrant purple, highlighting the wine’s concentration and intensity.
• Aroma: Expressive nose with notes of blackberry, blueberry, and subtle herbal hints, complemented by earthy mineral undertones and a touch of floral nuance.
• Palate: Full-bodied with a structured profile, showing fine tannins and balanced acidity. The wine offers layers of dark fruit, mineral notes, and a long, elegant finish, capturing the essence of Gualtallary’s terroir.

Did you know?

The Aluvional series is Zuccardi’s dedication to exploring the diverse alluvial soils of the Uco Valley. Each wine in this collection expresses the distinctive terroir of specific parcels through the lens of Malbec, offering a profound connection to Mendoza’s rich, varied landscape. This wine, grown in soils formed by ancient Andes water flows, embodies the powerful and unique identity of Gualtallary.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Venison with Juniper and Mushroom Sauce: The earthy mushroom and juniper flavors echo the wine’s mineral notes, while the richness of the venison matches the wine’s structured tannins.
• Smoked Eggplant and Tomato Ragout: The smokiness of eggplant complements the wine’s subtle herbal and mineral undertones, and the acidity balances the dish’s depth.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère: The nutty, complex flavors of aged cheese enhance the wine’s depth, while the structure of the wine balances the richness of the cheese.
• Lamb Tagine with Dried Plums and Almonds: The fruity depth of the Malbec pairs beautifully with the tagine’s sweet-savory flavors, while its tannins complement the tender lamb.

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​​​​.