Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020

Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Zuccardi
Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13°
  • Grappes : 100% Cabernet Franc

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.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 91 2020
RP Robert Parker 94 2019
DCT Decanter 93 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

San Pablo lies in the Tunuyán district within the Valle de Uco, situated between 1,200 and 1,700 meters above sea level and only 600 meters from the Andean foothills. This proximity to the mountains creates a cold and extreme climate with particularly low minimum temperatures, contributing to the grape’s fresh acidity and strong tannin structure. The landscape is characterized by abundant trees and streams, forming a true oasis at high altitude. The soils in this area are alluvial, formed by the Las Tunas River, with a layer of medium-sized gravel coated in calcareous material about one meter below the surface, adding a distinctive minerality to the wine.

This harvest was exceptional, with cool, humid conditions that allowed the grape clusters to mature slowly, achieving an ideal balance of sugar and acidity. Zuccardi’s meticulous approach to harvesting, based on plot and soil type separation, ensured that each corner of the vineyard contributed its unique qualities to the final wine.

Winemaking

This wine is crafted with an emphasis on preserving the purity of the fruit and terroir. Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in concrete vessels, allowing the wine to retain the natural characteristics of the San Pablo soil. The wine is then aged in used, untoasted 500-liter French oak barrels and large 2,500-liter foudres, which enhance structure without imparting additional flavors, maintaining the varietal expression of Cabernet Franc.

The final wine has 13% alcohol, 6.22 g/L of total acidity, and a pH of 3.59, resulting in a fresh, structured wine with balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Bright ruby red, with intensity reflecting its high-altitude origins.
  • Aroma: Aromas of red and black fruits, complemented by hints of bell pepper, spices, and a touch of minerality from the calcareous soils.
  • Palate: Medium-bodied with firm tannins and refreshing acidity. The palate offers layers of fresh red berries, herbal notes, and a long, mineral-driven finish that captures the essence of San Pablo’s terroir.

Did you know?

The Polígonos series explores the unique expressions of different villages within the Uco Valley, with each wine representing a specific "polygon" or mapped area within the vineyard. San Pablo’s high-altitude conditions and extreme climate provide an exceptional environment for Cabernet Franc, allowing Zuccardi to showcase the refined minerality and structured character of this high-altitude terroir.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary and Garlic: The wine’s tannins and herbal notes pair well with the flavors of lamb and rosemary, enhancing the savory profile.
  • Ratatouille with Fresh Herbs: The earthy and herbal notes in the wine complement the flavors of vegetables, making for a balanced pairing.
  • Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts: The wine’s acidity and freshness balance the richness of goat cheese and the sweetness of beets, creating a harmonious contrast.
  • Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Herbs: The mineral-driven profile of the wine complements the roasted pepper and herb flavors, creating an elegant 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​​​​.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2020)
Bell pepper, ripe blackberry and herbal notes show on the nose of this well-balanced red. Light notes of rosemary and peppercorn blend with intense red- and black-fruit flavors framed by supple tannins and nice acidity. A hint of herbs in the lingering finish makes it very pleasant.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2019)
There was an acute note of freshly cracked black peppercorns in the nose of the 2019 Polígonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc, which matured in foudre. They use oak for Cabernet Franc, which they feel needs more oxygen than the Malbec, which matures in concrete. The grape is very transparent to the place, despite being a very aromatic and recognizable variety. It has a very fine thread, refined tannins and a lack of fruit, with dry flowers. This is from a place where they struggle to ripen the variety, and the wine is always sharp.

Decanter (DCT) : 93 Points (2019)
Made by Sebastián Zuccardi with grapes from a vineyard located at 1,400m in San Pablo, this austere, spicy, herbal wine was fermented in concrete and aged in used barrels. On the palate it presents a well-focused acidity and fine tannins.

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
JS
95
WS
92
RP
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 Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
Zuccardi
Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
WS
94
RP
94
JS
96
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.
42,00 €
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 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
RP
97
JS
99
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
JS
98
RP
100
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
Wine regions guide
24,90 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
Argentina
99 Robert Parker
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
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.
Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
155,00 €
Argentina
96 Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Noemia 2020
Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Noemia 2020
Noemia by Bodega Noemia de Patagonia is an exquisite Malbec from one of the world’s most southern vineyards in Rio Negro Valley, Patagonia, showcasing intense dark fruit and remarkable depth.
Noemia 2020
186,00 €
Argentina
91 Tim Atkin
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
Chakana Estate Selection Cabernet Franc is a sophisticated and expressive wine from the Gualtallary region in the Uco Valley, Argentina. This 100% Cabernet Franc showcases the biodynamic principles and high-altitude terroir that define Chakana’s winemaking philosophy.
Estate Selection Cabernet Franc 2021
24,90 €
Australia
Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017
Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017
The Jim Barry Single Vineyard Shiraz is a refined Shiraz that embodies the elegance and restraint of Clare Valley’s cool-climate sites, offering an alluring expression of dark berry and spice.
Single Vineyard Shiraz 2017
23,90 €
Australia
95+ Robert Parker
Tyrrell's VAT 8 Shiraz Cabernet 2021
Tyrrell's VAT 8 Shiraz Cabernet 2021
A modern style of Australian red that also respects the tradition of regional and varietal blending to make a more rounded wine. The wine shows intense plum fruit sweetness from…
VAT 8 Shiraz Cabernet 2021
53,90 €
Italy
Gaja Barolo Dagromis 2019
Gaja Barolo Dagromis 2019
Gaja Barolo Dagromis is a captivating Barolo, uniting the power of Serralunga and the elegance of La Morra. This wine masterfully expresses the distinctiveness of these two renowned subregions in Piedmont.
Barolo Dagromis 2019
119,00 €