Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018

Region and Vineyards

The grapes for José Zuccardi Malbec come from two distinguished regions in Mendoza’s Valle de Uco: Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary. Paraje Altamira, located at 1,100 meters (3,609 feet), sits on an alluvial fan south of the Tunuyán River. This high-altitude area features a cool temperate climate and a significant thermal amplitude, enhancing acidity and structure. The soils here contain a mixture of granite gravel and large stones coated with calcium carbonate, contributing a unique minerality to the wine.

The Gualtallary vineyards, situated at 1,360 meters (4,462 feet), lie at the foot of the Frontal Mountain Range. This arid, high-altitude desert is characterized by rugged terrain and diverse soils rich in calcareous material, with layers of sand, caliche, and stones. The extreme climate and varied soils in Gualtallary lend structure, minerality, and complexity to the wine.

Winemaking

This vintage offered ideal conditions with a fresh and dry climate and below-average temperatures, which preserved the wine’s natural acidity and tannin structure. José Zuccardi Malbec is crafted with careful cluster selection to ensure quality. Fermentation occurs in concrete vessels with native yeasts, which preserves the pure expression of the terroir. The wine is then aged for 24 months in large 2,500-liter foudres, softening the tannins and adding layers of complexity without overshadowing the fruit.

This blend of 95% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon has an alcohol content of 14.5%, with 5.5 g/L of acidity and a pH of 3.64, resulting in a balanced, powerful wine that showcases both depth and finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense deep purple, highlighting its concentration and richness.
• Aroma: A bouquet of ripe black fruits, violets, and earthy minerals, with subtle hints of spice and a touch of herbal freshness.
• Palate: Full-bodied with structured tannins, lively acidity, and a long, mineral finish. The palate reveals layers of dark fruit, floral notes, and a refined texture that captures the complexity of high-altitude Mendoza.

Did you know?

The José Zuccardi Malbec is a tribute to Sebastián Zuccardi’s father and reflects the family’s commitment to quality and innovation. Originally released as "Zeta" in 2002, this wine was reimagined in 2013 to emphasize Malbec’s Argentine heritage, with the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance structure and depth, resulting in a wine that embodies the vision and legacy of the Zuccardi family.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Beef Wellington with Mushroom Duxelles: The rich flavors of beef and earthy mushrooms match the wine’s robust structure and dark fruit profile, while its acidity cuts through the pastry’s richness.
• Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic: The wine’s tannins and mineral backbone complement the savory, herbaceous notes of lamb, creating a harmonious pairing.
• Wild Boar Ragout with Polenta: The intense fruit and mineral notes of the wine enhance the depth and richness of wild boar, balanced by creamy polenta.
• Aged Pecorino Cheese: The wine’s acidity and structured tannins balance the nutty, salty flavors of Pecorino, creating a refined yet powerful 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​​​​.