Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018

Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018

 

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Zuccardi
Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
  • Vintage : 2018
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 95% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

José Zuccardi Malbec is an elegant and robust Malbec from high-altitude vineyards in Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary, capturing the complexity and minerality of Mendoza’s alluvial soils.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 96 2018
WS Wine Spectator 94 2018
RP Robert Parker 94 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

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​​​​.

James Suckling (JS) : 96 Points (2018)
Blackberries, graphite, black pepper and crushed berries on the nose. Full-bodied, very tight and focused with bolted-down tannins that give it fantastic potential for aging. A little cabernet sauvignon here, too. Try after 2023.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 94 Points (2018)
Balances muscle with grace, showing notes of molasses, ripe black cherry and black plum that offer nice richness, while a thread of plumeria picks up the trail midpalate. Reveals stony tannins, peppery elements and notes of espresso and orange peel on the lengthy finish. Drink now.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2018)
The 2018 José Zuccardi mixes Malbec from different regions in the Valle de Uco (today, Altamira and Gualtallary) all with limestone soils. It always has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (only 5% to 10%), which is not mentioned on the label, and is now matured in foudre for two years. I tasted this next to the 2019, where there are no differences other than the nuances from the year, with similar alcohol and acidity, but the sensation is of a little wider and powerful in the 2018. The wine feels very stable and harmonious after the long élevage, but there are no traces of oak.

Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi
Tito Zuccardi 2020
RP
93
TA
95
JS
94
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.
39,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
Zuccardi
Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
WS
94
RP
97
JS
94
Aged in concrete to preserve purity, Aluvional Paraje Altamira highlights Zuccardi’s commitment to terroir expression, capturing the essence of Mendoza’s renowned alluvial sites.
75,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2019
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2019
Zuccardi
Q Tempranillo 2019
RP
92
WE
91
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo highlights the character of old-vine Tempranillo from the historic region of Santa Rosa, blending ripe fruit with a refined structure and elegant balance.
20,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2021
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2021
Zuccardi
Q Malbec 2021
WS
91
RP
92
W&S
93
Crafted from high-altitude vineyards in Paraje Altamira and Los Chacayes, this elegant Malbec embodies both richness and finesse, with a distinctive freshness, fruit purity, and mineral complexity.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
Zuccardi
Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
RP
93
JS
93
Emma Zuccardi Bonarda is a fresh, expressive Bonarda from Mendoza’s Valle de Uco, capturing the cool, high-altitude characteristics of Altamira and San Pablo.
39,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
Zuccardi
Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
RP
99
JS
99
VN
96
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.
155,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2018
Zuccardi Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2018
Zuccardi
Aluvional Gualtallary Malbec 2018
RP
98
JS
96
This 100% Malbec from the Aluvional line highlights Zuccardi’s exploration of alluvial soils, resulting in a wine that reflects the unique identity of Gualtallary with precision and depth.
75,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2022
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2022
Zuccardi
Serie A Malbec 2022
RP
92
JS
92
DCT
91
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.
18,50 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Concreto 2021
Zuccardi Concreto 2021
Zuccardi
Concreto 2021
WS
92
RP
95
JS
95
Sourced from stone-rich and calcareous soils in the Uco Valley, this 100% Malbec is fermented and aged entirely in concrete, amplifying the energy and purity of the terroir.
32,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Fosil Chardonnay 2021
Zuccardi Fosil Chardonnay 2021
Zuccardi
Fosil Chardonnay 2021
JS
95
VN
97
RP
96
Sourced from 1,400 meters at the foothills of the Andes, this 100% Chardonnay captures the freshness and complexity of Mendoza’s Valle de Uco with purity and balance.
65,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020
Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020
Zuccardi
Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020
WE
91
DCT
93
RP
94
Cultivated at 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) in an alluvial zone just 600 meters from the Andes, this 100% Cabernet Franc captures the influence of the Andes Mountains in every aspect of its flavor profile.
24,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021
Zuccardi Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021
Zuccardi
Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021
RP
94
W&S
94
Part of Zuccardi’s Polígonos series, this wine offers a nuanced expression of Gualtallary’s terroir, crafted to embody the unique landscape, climate, and soil diversity of the Andes.
29,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020
Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020
Zuccardi
Q Chardonnay 2020
RP
91
JS
92
Sourced from Gualtallary and El Peral, two of Mendoza’s premier vineyard sites, this Chardonnay showcases balanced acidity and a refined structure, highlighting Argentina's high-elevation terroir.
20,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2023
Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2023
Zuccardi
Serie A Torrontes 2023
RP
92
Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés captures the essence of high-altitude Salta vineyards, delivering a fresh, floral, and citrus-driven expression of Argentina’s signature white grape with a refined, elegant structure.
17,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2019
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2019
Zuccardi
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.
245,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018
Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018
Zuccardi
Aluvional Los Chacayes 2018
WS
95
RP
95
JS
95
Aluvional Los Chacayes is a bold, high-altitude Malbec from Mendoza’s Uco Valley, capturing the distinctive minerality and intensity of the Los Chacayes terroir.
68,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Botanico 2021
Zuccardi Botanico 2021
Zuccardi
Botanico 2021
RP
97
Botánico is a pure and expressive Chardonnay from Gualtallary, showcasing the unique flora and calcareous soils of Mendoza’s high-altitude desert landscape.
75,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Finca Las Cerrilladas Malbec 2019
Zuccardi Finca Las Cerrilladas Malbec 2019
Zuccardi
Finca Las Cerrilladas Malbec 2019
RP
98
Finca Las Cerrilladas Malbec is an exclusive single-vineyard Malbec from Gualtallary, crafted to capture the mineral-rich character of the high-altitude soils in Mendoza’s Valle de Uco.
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Zuccardi
Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
VN
94
RP
93
JS
94
Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon is a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the distinct, high-altitude terroir of Paraje Altamira, Mendoza. This wine embodies the legacy of the region, combining traditional cultivation methods with Zuccardi’s precision winemaking.
125,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019
Zuccardi
Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019
RP
100
JS
98
VN
97
Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019 is an exceptional single-parcel Malbec from a unique 0.93-hectare plot in the Paraje Altamira region, revealing the most extreme calcareous expression of Mendoza’s terroir.
245,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Malbec 2019
Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Malbec 2019
Zuccardi
Poligonos San Pablo Malbec 2019
JS
94
RP
94
Polígonos San Pablo Malbec is a high-altitude Malbec from the San Pablo region in Mendoza’s Valle de Uco, highlighting the cool, intense climate and mineral-rich soils of this Andean foothill terroir.
31,30 €
Quantity : moins plus
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42,00 €
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