Zuccardi Botanico 2021

Region and Vineyards

Botánico is sourced from the Gualtallary Monasterio vineyards in the Valle de Uco, located at the base of the Jaboncillo Hills at an altitude between 1,360 and 1,385 meters (4,462 to 4,544 feet). This high-altitude region lies within a temperate, arid climate—a true high-altitude desert—characterized by significant thermal amplitude. The slopes and ravines of Gualtallary are dotted with jarilla herbs, thyme, and broom shrubs, creating a distinctive landscape where Chardonnay vines grow alongside native flora.

The soil, rich in caliche and alluvial stones coated in calcium carbonate, imparts a unique mineral backbone to the wine. These high-calcium soils contribute to a distinctive minerality and freshness in the Chardonnay, capturing Gualtallary’s unrepeatable landscape and terroir.

Winemaking

This vintage was marked by a cool and humid growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and reach a perfect balance between sugar and acidity. Following careful bunch selection and direct pressing, fermentation took place with native yeasts in concrete vessels to preserve the natural character of the fruit. After fermentation, 70% of the wine was aged in concrete tanks to retain its freshness, while the remaining 30% was aged in used, untoasted 500-liter French oak barrels, enhancing texture without adding oak flavors. The wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation, resulting in a vibrant acidity and a crisp, clean finish.

This 100% Chardonnay is balanced with 13% alcohol, 7.17 g/L of total acidity, and a pH of 3.2, creating a fresh, mineral-driven wine that reflects its high-altitude origin.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, pale straw yellow, revealing its freshness and clarity.
• Aroma: Aromas of citrus, green apple, and delicate white flowers, complemented by mineral notes and a hint of wet stone.
• Palate: Crisp and lively, with a pronounced acidity that balances its medium body. The wine shows flavors of lemon zest, crisp apple, and a touch of salinity, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish that reflects the calcareous soils.

Did you know?

Botánico reflects Sebastián Zuccardi’s dedication to crafting wines that showcase not only the soil but also the surrounding ecosystem. The Chardonnay vines are intertwined with the wild herbs of the area, such as jarilla and thyme, which grow naturally alongside the vines, allowing the wine to capture the unique botanical character of Gualtallary’s high-altitude desert.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seafood Ceviche: The wine’s bright acidity and citrus notes balance the tangy freshness of ceviche, highlighting its mineral undertones.
• Goat Cheese and Herb Tart: The wine’s crispness cuts through the richness of goat cheese, while its herbal and mineral notes harmonize with the fresh herbs.
• Grilled Scallops with Lemon Butter: The wine’s freshness and minerality complement the delicate flavors of scallops, while the acidity enhances the lemon butter sauce.
• Roasted Cauliflower with Almonds and Capers: The wine’s salinity and minerality pair well with the nutty, slightly briny flavors of this dish, creating a well-rounded experience.

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​​​​.