Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018

Region and Vineyards

The Los Chacayes vineyards lie in Tunuyán, in the southern part of Mendoza’s Valle de Uco, where the vines are planted at altitudes ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 meters (3,609 to 4,265 feet). Located on the alluvial fans of Arroyo Grande, this terroir benefits from a temperate climate with intense sunlight, which enhances the ripeness and color of the grapes. The soils here are distinctive, with deposits of sand and silt layered over a conglomerate of small stones, slightly eroded and occasionally enriched with calcium carbonate and gypsum. These characteristics contribute to the wine’s mineral backbone and structured tannins.

The vintage was marked by cool and dry conditions, which ensured the health and optimal ripeness of the grapes. This vintage resulted in wines with exceptional color and freshness, attributes that define Los Chacayes’ terroir, accentuated by the careful timing of the harvest for each plot.

Winemaking

Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes is produced with a minimalist approach to enhance terroir expression. Grapes are moved by gravity to prevent damage, and fermentation occurs in concrete vessels with native yeasts, allowing a natural representation of the fruit and soil. The wine is aged entirely in concrete tanks, a choice that preserves freshness and accentuates the minerality and vibrancy of the Los Chacayes soil.

This 100% Malbec has an alcohol content of 14.5%, with a total acidity of 5.65 g/L and a pH of 3.68, resulting in a structured yet fresh wine that captures the essence of Los Chacayes’ unique terroir.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep, vibrant purple, indicative of its intensity and concentration.
• Aroma: Complex bouquet with aromas of dark berries, plum, and subtle floral and mineral notes, complemented by hints of earthy spices.
• Palate: Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins and balanced acidity. The palate reveals layers of black fruit, minerality, and a long, elegant finish, highlighting the wine’s depth and purity.

Did you know?

Aluvional is a project that explores the identity of different alluvial sites across the Uco Valley. Each vineyard site is carefully selected to highlight its unique characteristics. Los Chacayes, with its calcium and gypsum deposits, is particularly suited to expressing the mineral qualities of Malbec, making it a distinctive member of Zuccardi’s terroir-driven Aluvional range.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Lamb Tagine with Apricots and Almonds: The wine’s dark fruit and mineral notes pair well with the sweet-savory flavors of the tagine, while its tannins complement the rich lamb.
• Porcini Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms enhance the wine’s subtle mineral undertones, and its acidity balances the creamy risotto.
• Smoked Duck Breast with Blackberry Sauce: The wine’s fruity depth matches the dark berry sauce, and its structure complements the smoky, tender duck.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty, intense flavors of aged Manchego are balanced by the wine’s acidity and minerality, creating a complex pairing.

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​​​​.