Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Region and Vineyards

The Finca Los Membrillos vineyard is located on the eastern edge of Paraje Altamira, in the San Carlos area of the Valle de Uco. The vineyard, originally planted by a local family over 20 years ago, reached Zuccardi’s hands in 2008, bringing with it a traditional character. Set amongst quince trees and supported by carob wood posts, the vineyard reflects the legacy of Mendoza’s winemaking traditions.

The soils of Los Membrillos are varied, stony, calcareous, and heterogeneous—a product of the Tunuyán River’s alluvial fan. Selected plots for this wine include areas with deep sandy soils and others rich in stones coated with calcium carbonate from a depth of 40 cm. The cool and dry 2018 season contributed to optimal grape health and allowed each plot to be harvested at the ideal time, preserving color and freshness.

Winemaking

Grapes for Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon are harvested manually, with a meticulous bunch selection, and then transferred by gravity into concrete vessels. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in concrete vessels without epoxy lining, maintaining the purity of the fruit. After fermentation, the wine is aged partly in 500-liter used French oak barrels to add texture and partly in concrete vessels to retain freshness and minerality.

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has an alcohol content of 14%, with total acidity of 5.86 g/L and a pH of 3.7, resulting in a balanced wine with structured tannins and vibrant acidity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple highlights, showcasing the intensity and concentration of this high-altitude Cabernet.
• Aroma: Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and subtle herbaceous notes, complemented by a distinct minerality and earthy undertones from the calcareous soils.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with firm, well-structured tannins. The palate reveals flavors of dark fruit, mineral complexity, and a long, fresh finish that captures the essence of Paraje Altamira’s unique terroir.

Did you know?

Finca Los Membrillos takes its name from the rows of quince (membrillo in Spanish) trees that surround the vineyard. Originally planted with traditional irrigation techniques, Zuccardi worked to restore the vineyard’s soils and vigor, seeking to let the vineyard express the full potential of Paraje Altamira. This wine not only pays homage to Mendoza’s history but also showcases Zuccardi’s dedication to the singular expressions of each vineyard plot.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentinian Asado with Chimichurri: The wine’s structured tannins and dark fruit profile complement the rich flavors of traditional Argentinian grilled meats, enhancing the depth of the asado.
• Roasted Eggplant with Garlic and Herbs: The wine’s minerality and herbaceous notes pair well with the earthy flavors of roasted eggplant, balancing the dish’s richness.
• Braised Short Ribs with Rosemary: The wine’s bold structure and mineral complexity enhance the savory flavors of braised ribs, creating a layered pairing.
• Aged Cheddar Cheese: The wine’s acidity and dark fruit flavors match the nutty intensity of aged cheddar, making for a balanced and 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​​​​.