Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018

Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018

 

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Zuccardi
Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

Aluvional Los Chacayes is a bold, high-altitude Malbec from Mendoza’s Uco Valley, capturing the distinctive minerality and intensity of the Los Chacayes terroir.

Experts Score Vintage
WS Wine Spectator 95 2018
RP Robert Parker 95 2018
JS James Suckling 95 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

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​​​​.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 95 Points (2018)
Well-structured dark currant, olive and plum pastry flavors show sanguine richness in this red, filled with plenty of underbrush and forest floor accents. Creamy midpalate, with a long finish that offers coffeeberry notes and plenty of toastiness.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2018)
There's more fruit in the 2018 Aluvional Los Chacayes than in the 2017, as if the cooler year delivered more red fruit and something juicy, but again with no sweetness at all. There is elegance and balance, a less extracted expression of Chacayes. The palate is very stony, despite the extra juiciness (and slightly higher alcohol) than the 2017, but everything is very integrated. In the cooler year, the ripeness was slower, and the wine has more ripeness and a better development of aromas and flavors but with great freshness. Great balance.

James Suckling (JS) : 95 Points (2018)
Blueberries and blackberries with some black-olive and dark-stone undertones. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished, yet slightly dusty. Some walnut highlights to the dark fruit in the aftertaste. Give it two or three years to come together. Try after 2023.

Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi
Tito Zuccardi 2020
RP
93
TA
95
JS
94
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.
39,90 €
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Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
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Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
WS
94
RP
97
JS
94
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.
75,90 €
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Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2019
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92
WE
91
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91
RP
92
W&S
93
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.
24,90 €
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Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
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Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
RP
93
JS
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Emma Zuccardi Bonarda is a fresh, expressive Bonarda from Mendoza’s Valle de Uco, capturing the cool, high-altitude characteristics of Altamira and San Pablo.
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Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
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Zuccardi
Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
RP
99
JS
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.
155,00 €
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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
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2022
Zuccardi
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.
18,50 €
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Zuccardi Concreto 2021
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Concreto 2021
WS
92
RP
95
JS
95
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.
32,90 €
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Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
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WS
94
RP
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JS
96
José Zuccardi Malbec is an elegant and robust Malbec from high-altitude vineyards in Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary, capturing the complexity and minerality of Mendoza’s alluvial soils.
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95
VN
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RP
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Sourced from 1,400 meters at the foothills of the Andes, this 100% Chardonnay captures the freshness and complexity of Mendoza’s Valle de Uco with purity and balance.
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WE
91
DCT
93
RP
94
Cultivated at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) in an alluvial zone just 600 meters from the Andes, this 100% Cabernet Franc captures the influence of the Andes Mountains in every aspect of its flavor profile.
24,90 €
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Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021
RP
94
W&S
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Part of Zuccardi’s Polígonos series, this wine offers a nuanced expression of Gualtallary’s terroir, crafted to embody the unique landscape, climate, and soil diversity of the Andes.
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Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020
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JS
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Sourced from Gualtallary and El Peral, two of Mendoza’s premier vineyard sites, this Chardonnay showcases balanced acidity and a refined structure, highlighting Argentina's high-elevation terroir.
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Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2023
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Serie A Torrontes 2023
RP
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Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés captures the essence of high-altitude Salta vineyards, delivering a fresh, floral, and citrus-driven expression of Argentina’s signature white grape with a refined, elegant structure.
17,90 €
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Zuccardi
Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2019
JS
99
RP
97
RP
100
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.
245,00 €
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Zuccardi Botanico 2021
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Zuccardi
Botanico 2021
RP
97
Botánico is a pure and expressive Chardonnay from Gualtallary, showcasing the unique flora and calcareous soils of Mendoza’s high-altitude desert landscape.
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RP
98
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125,00 €
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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.
125,00 €
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JS
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VN
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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.
245,00 €
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