Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018

Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018

 

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Zuccardi
Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 99 2018
RP Robert Parker 99 2018
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 96 2017
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Finca Piedra Infinita vineyard is located within the IG Paraje Altamira, in the Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Nestled at 1,100 meters (3,609 feet), the vineyard sits on the highest part of the alluvial fan created by the Tunuyán River, where the soils are extremely stony and calcareous. The surface layer consists of sandy loam, ranging from 20 to 60 centimeters deep, covering a base of large granite stones coated in calcium carbonate. This challenging landscape required Zuccardi to clear over a thousand truckloads of stone, underscoring the commitment to cultivating this unique vineyard.

The 2018 vintage benefitted from cool and dry conditions, which preserved the health of the grapes and resulted in wines with vibrant color and freshness. The meticulous timing of the harvest for each plot contributed to the purity and elegance of this vintage, capturing the Altamira terroir’s character.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Finca Piedra Infinita 2018 reflects Zuccardi’s commitment to minimal intervention and terroir expression. The grapes are hand-harvested with bunch selection to ensure quality, then transferred by gravity to concrete tanks for fermentation. Using native yeasts, fermentation occurs in unlined concrete vessels, which enhances the wine’s purity and minerality. The entire wine is then aged in concrete tanks, preserving the natural expression of the fruit and soil, with no influence from oak.

This 100% Malbec has an alcohol content of 14%, a total acidity of 5.89 g/L, and a pH of 3.67, resulting in a balanced wine with vibrant freshness and structured tannins.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep purple, with intense saturation that hints at its concentration.
  • Aroma: Aromatic layers of blackberry, plum, and floral notes, accompanied by mineral and earthy undertones that reflect the calcareous soils.
  • Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with fine tannins and a refreshing acidity. The palate reveals rich dark fruit, a mineral core, and a long, complex finish that captures the essence of Altamira’s stony terroir.

Did you know?

Finca Piedra Infinita is the result of Zuccardi’s vision to push the boundaries of Argentine viticulture. The name “Piedra Infinita,” or “Infinite Stone,” reflects the vineyard’s extreme landscape, where stones dominate the soil profile, creating a unique terroir that required the removal of vast amounts of rock. Each plot within the vineyard is meticulously studied, making this wine a testament to Altamira’s singular terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Argentinian Asado (Grilled Meats): The wine’s structure and depth complement the robust flavors of traditional Argentinian grilled meats, enhancing the savory profile of beef, lamb, and sausages.
  • Wild Mushroom Risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms match the wine’s mineral undertones, while its acidity balances the richness of the risotto.
  • Roasted Eggplant with Pomegranate Molasses: The wine’s dark fruit and tannins complement the caramelized flavors of eggplant, and the pomegranate adds a fresh contrast.
  • Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty, intense flavors of Manchego pair beautifully with the wine’s tannins and acidity, creating 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​​​​.

James Suckling (JS) : 99 Points (2018)
Aromas of crushed fruit with mushrooms, dried flowers, ash, charcoal, iodine and bark, following through to a full-bodied palate with superb depth of fruit and layers of polished, fine tannins. Extremely long and seamless. A beauty by all accounts. Complex. Juicy. Supple. Better after 2023, when it will give you all it has stored up in goodness, character and uniqueness.

Robert Parker (RP) : 99 Points (2018)
There is a reductive character in the 2018 Finca Piedra Infinita that I also found in the Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal. There is also a big connection with the 2016, more than with the 2017. There is tension and crunchiness here, and the finish is very mineral, dry and chalky but coupled with deep flavors. The wine feels very young and with huge potential to develop in bottle. The symmetry of the cooler vintages in this bottling is here: there's precision, detail and nuance. There's purity and restraint and great harmony. There is energy and light, power and balance. This is as good as it gets.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 96 Points (2017)
A Malbec from Paraje Altamira, the grapes selected from vines growing in eight different types of soil at the Finca Piedra Infinita vineyard before half of them were aged in used barrels for 12 months. The measured nose offers an herb, violet and lavender core from which blackberry subsequently emerges. Makes a big entrance with energy and juice before ceding the impetus to a chalkiness that turns the spotlight on the texture sustained by a flavor-enhancing salinity. A long-lasting, profoundly layered wine.

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Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
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TA
95
JS
94
RP
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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.
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RP
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WE
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JS
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RP
92
JS
92
DCT
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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.

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RP
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WS
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RP
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VN
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RP
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DCT
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RP
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W&S
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JS
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RP
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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.
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RP
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JS
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RP
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JS
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JS
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VN
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