Zuccardi Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2022

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​​​​.