Zuccardi Finca Las Cerrilladas Malbec 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Finca Las Cerrilladas vineyard lies in Gualtallary, Tupungato within the Valle de Uco, situated at 1,360 meters near the base of the Jaboncillo Hills. This high-altitude area, known for its temperate and arid climate, represents a high-altitude desert. The terrain includes slopes, ravines, and valleys, surrounded by native vegetation such as thorny bushes, desert trees, and jarilla herbs. The vineyard is divided into 30 distinct plots, each with unique soil characteristics and sun exposure, resulting in a mosaic of terroirs that enhance the wine’s complexity.

The vineyard’s soils are dominated by caliche-rich areas over a base of alluvial stones coated in calcium carbonate, which impart a robust mineral profile to the wine. The 2019 growing season was exceptional, marked by cool, dry conditions, below-average temperatures, and significant temperature variations, which led to grapes with excellent natural acidity, structured tannins, and concentrated fruit flavors without excessive ripeness.

Winemaking

The winemaking process emphasizes minimal intervention to highlight the terroir of Las Cerrilladas. Grapes are harvested manually with a careful bunch selection and are transferred by gravity into concrete vessels for fermentation with native yeasts. After fermentation, the wine is aged in concrete tanks, which preserves its natural freshness and minerality, and ensures the purity of the Malbec grape.

This 100% Malbec has an alcohol content of 14.5%, total acidity of 6.14 g/L, and a pH of 3.64, resulting in a balanced wine with vibrant freshness and well-structured tannins.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense deep purple, indicating the concentration and power of high-altitude Malbec.
• Aroma: Expressive aromas of dark berries, plum, and floral notes, with a subtle earthy mineral undertone from the calcareous soils.
• Palate: Full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. The palate offers flavors of ripe black fruits, a mineral core, and a long, textured finish that reflects the unique terroir of Gualtallary.

Did you know?

The name Las Cerrilladas refers to the small valley surrounded by the Jaboncillo Hills, or "cerrilladas," where this vineyard is located. Each plot within the vineyard was chosen to highlight the diversity of caliche-rich soils, creating a wine that captures the mineral complexity of Gualtallary. Zuccardi’s commitment to individual terroir expression in each plot is showcased in this wine, revealing the detailed craftsmanship behind the Finca series.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentinian Beef Empanadas: The wine’s structure and dark fruit profile complement the richness of beef empanadas, with its acidity balancing the savory filling.
• Lamb Tagine with Apricots: The wine’s tannins and mineral depth enhance the sweet and savory flavors of the lamb, creating a layered pairing.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto: The earthy mushroom flavors resonate with the wine’s mineral notes, while its acidity balances the creaminess of the risotto.
• Aged Gouda: The wine’s firm tannins and mineral complexity pair beautifully with the nutty intensity of aged Gouda.

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​​​​.