Zuccardi Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021

Zuccardi Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021

 

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Zuccardi
Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 94 2021
W&S Wines & Spirits 94 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Gualtallary area lies in the district of Tupungato, Valle de Uco, at the foot of the Frontal Mountain Range, at elevations ranging between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (3,937 to 4,593 feet). Known as a high-altitude desert, Gualtallary features a temperate, arid climate with significant temperature variation between day and night, which enhances acidity and tannin structure in the grapes. The rugged terrain of the Jaboncillo Hills holds diverse soils with layers of sand, caliche, and stones rich in calcareous material, which impart a mineral backbone to the wine.

This harvest was marked by cool and humid conditions, allowing the grape clusters to mature slowly, developing a perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and tannins. Zuccardi’s careful approach to plot and soil type selection for each harvest, honed over a decade, ensures that every section of the vineyard contributes to the wine’s layered complexity.

Winemaking

Zuccardi Polígonos Gualtallary Malbec was vinified with a minimalist approach, focused on capturing the essence of the terroir. The wine underwent fermentation with native yeasts in concrete vessels, preserving the natural flavors of the grape and soil. The wine was then aged in concrete tanks, a choice that maintains the freshness and minerality of the wine without any oak influence, highlighting the purity of the Gualtallary terroir.

This 100% Malbec has an alcohol content of 14%, a total acidity of 5.62 g/L, and a pH of 3.6, resulting in a balanced, mineral-rich wine with freshness and structure.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep purple with a vivid intensity that reflects its high-altitude origins.
  • Aroma: Aromas of blackberry, violet, and mineral nuances, with subtle earthy and herbal hints that mirror the high-calcium soils.
  • Palate: Medium to full-bodied with firm, refined tannins and a crisp acidity. The palate offers layers of dark fruit, a touch of salinity, and a lingering mineral finish that speaks to the wine’s unique terroir.

Did you know?

The Polígonos series was created to highlight the individuality of each village within the Uco Valley. Named after “polygons” or mapped shapes that delineate each unique vineyard site, the wines allow a deep exploration of the landscape’s diversity. In Gualtallary, the unique calcareous soils and high elevation make for a Malbec with precision and minerality that is rare in Argentine wine.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Lamb with Mint Chimichurri: The wine’s tannins and mineral depth enhance the flavors of lamb, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the chimichurri.
  • Herbed Goat Cheese Tart: The wine’s crisp acidity and minerality balance the creamy goat cheese and complement the tart’s herbal notes.
  • Wild Mushroom and Thyme Risotto: Earthy mushroom flavors harmonize with the wine’s mineral notes, and its acidity balances the risotto’s richness.
  • Pork Tenderloin with Fennel and Apple: The wine’s dark fruit and acidity match the sweetness of apple and the herbal notes of fennel, creating a 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​​​​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2021)
The 2021 Polígonos Gualtallary Malbec is the most structured of the Malbecs from Polígonos, a high place with early ripening, where deciding the harvesting date is key. There are always lots of aromas of herbs and flowers here, the wildest of the Malbecs; it's ripe and intense (14% alcohol) but balanced and fresh, a very good representation of the place. Here, they ferment with 30% to 50% full clusters, no more, as the tannic structure is big and more stems might harden the wine. It is powerful and elegant, wild but refined, which might sound like a contradiction, but it's something wonderful. 20,000 bottles were filled in August 2022.

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 94 Points (2019)
Sebastián Zuccardi uses no oak and no cultured yeasts to make this wine, a stunningly fresh, zesty malbec. Sourced from a vineyard at 3,600 feet in altitude, where there’s plenty of calcareous stone in the alluvial scree, it feels almost Burgundian in its combination of complexity and transparency. Give it a decant before you serve it, as it takes time for the wine to shake off its initial tension; then it blossoms, with notes of fir tree, stone and fresh-picked berries.

Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020
Zuccardi
Tito Zuccardi 2020
TA
95
JS
94
RP
93
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 €
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Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira Malbec 2018
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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 €
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Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2019
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Q Tempranillo 2019
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92
WE
91
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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 €
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Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
RP
93
JS
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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.
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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 €
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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 €
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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 €
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Zuccardi Concreto 2021
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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 €
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Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
WS
94
RP
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JS
96
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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 €
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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 €
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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.
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Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2023
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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 €
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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.
245,00 €
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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 €
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Zuccardi Botanico 2021
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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 €
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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 €
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VN
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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 €
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RP
100
JS
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VN
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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 €
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RP
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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.
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