Zuccardi Concreto 2020

Region and Vineyards

The Paraje Altamira vineyard, located at 1,100 meters (3,609 feet) in the San Carlos district of the Uco Valley, lies on a high-altitude alluvial fan of the Tunuyán River. This area is known for its cool temperate climate and pronounced thermal amplitude, providing ideal conditions for balanced ripening. The soils are particularly notable for their composition, featuring large stones and granite gravel covered with calcium carbonate, with rocks weighing up to 20 tons scattered throughout the site. This unique soil composition contributes to the wine’s minerality, structure, and depth.

The 2021 harvest benefited from cool, humid weather, allowing the grapes to reach ideal ripeness with a balanced sugar-acid profile and robust tannins. This vintage showcases the meticulous approach of separating plots and soil types to capture the full diversity and character of Paraje Altamira.

Winemaking

Zuccardi Concreto is made with a minimal-intervention approach, focusing on the purity of the vineyard. The whole clusters are fermented in concrete amphorae with native yeasts, preserving the wine’s authenticity and enhancing the texture imparted by the soil. The wine is then aged entirely in concrete vessels, avoiding any influence from oak and allowing the natural flavors and textures of the Malbec to shine.

This careful winemaking process, free from external flavors, results in a 100% Malbec with an alcohol content of 14%, total acidity of 5.65 g/L, and a pH of 3.6, underscoring the wine’s balance and vibrancy.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep purple, showcasing its concentration and intensity.
• Aroma: Aromatic bouquet of blackberry, plum, and subtle floral notes, accompanied by earthy and mineral hints that reflect the terroir.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, fine tannins, and a distinctive minerality. The wine offers layers of dark fruit and a refreshing finish, emphasizing its pure expression of Altamira’s calcareous soils.

Did you know?

Concreto is a pivotal wine in Zuccardi’s portfolio, embodying their philosophy of minimal intervention. By eliminating the use of oak and choosing concrete amphorae, Zuccardi aims to “undress” the wine, revealing the pure essence and texture of the terroir, with calcareous soils lending a unique energy to this Malbec.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Octopus with Smoked Paprika: The wine’s minerality and dark fruit notes complement the smoky richness of grilled octopus, while its acidity balances the dish.
• Mushroom Risotto with Thyme: The earthy flavors of mushrooms and herbs resonate with the wine’s mineral character, enhancing the depth and texture of both.
• Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts: The wine’s acidity and minerality highlight the sweetness of beets and the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Duck Confit with Fig Reduction: The wine’s structured tannins and dark fruit profile complement the richness of duck, while the fig reduction mirrors the fruity elements.

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​​​​.