Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2018

Region and Vineyards

Zuccardi’s Finca Piedra Infinita lies in the heart of Paraje Altamira, a celebrated subregion of Argentina’s Uco Valley, perched at an altitude of 1,100 meters. This site, part of the southern alluvial fan of the Tunuyán River, is characterized by its cool, semi-arid climate, broad diurnal shifts, and unique calcareous-rich soils composed of large alluvial stones cloaked in calcium carbonate. Supercal is sourced from a mere 0.93-hectare plot located on the vineyard’s western edge—its most extreme terroir.

The defining feature of this parcel is a surface layer dominated by stone and calcareous material, offering a distinctive mineral signature and remarkable drainage. The vineyard is farmed with profound attention to detail, embodying Zuccardi’s philosophy of letting each micro-terroir speak for itself.

Winemaking

The 2018 vintage was cool and dry, ensuring healthy fruit with excellent color and vibrancy. Grapes were harvested manually at optimal ripeness, with rigorous bunch selection in the vineyard.

Fermentation occurred using native yeasts in concrete vessels, emphasizing a low-intervention philosophy that respects the purity of fruit and place. Rather than aging in oak, the wine spent 100% of its élevage in concrete to preserve the vineyard’s calcareous-driven austerity and tension.

The final composition is 100% Malbec, showing a lean, precise style with an alcohol level of 14% and a total acidity of 5.89 g/L (pH 3.68).

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep violet core with a ruby edge; intense and saturated, typical of high-altitude Malbec.
• Aroma: Expressive nose with graphite, crushed rock, and wild herbs layered over fresh plum, black cherry, and subtle florals.
• Palate: Linear and vibrant, marked by firm yet polished tannins and a backbone of minerality. Notes of red currant, blackberry skin, and savory spice unfold with a saline precision. The finish is long, lifted, and bracingly fresh.

Did you know?

The name "Supercal" refers to the high concentration of calcium carbonate found in this specific plot of Finca Piedra Infinita. This "super calcareous" condition is a rarity in Mendoza and contributes to the wine’s signature chalky texture and mineral drive—hallmarks of some of Argentina’s most terroir-expressive wines.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Dry-aged beef with chimichurri: The wine’s linear acidity and minerality balance the meat's richness and herbal intensity.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic: The savory, herbaceous notes in the wine echo the lamb’s seasoning.
• Mushroom risotto with truffle oil: Earthiness in both the dish and wine find harmony, with minerality lifting the umami depth.
• Hard cheeses like aged Manchego or Pecorino: Their crystalline textures and salty finish resonate with the wine’s chalky grip.

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​​​​.