Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Malbec 2023

Region and Vineyards

San Pablo lies in the Tunuyán district of Valle de Uco, nestled between 1,200 and 1,700 meters above sea level, and only 600 meters from the Andes mountains. This cold and extreme climate brings very low minimum temperatures, creating an ideal environment for growing Malbec with vibrant acidity and structured tannins. The landscape is defined by abundant trees, streams, and rich biodiversity, forming a unique oasis at high altitude. The soils here are alluvial, originating from the Las Tunas River, and feature a layer of medium-sized gravel covered with calcareous material at about one meter depth, imparting a mineral backbone to the wine.

This harvest benefitted from cool, humid weather, allowing the grape clusters to mature slowly, achieving a balance of sugar, acidity, and tannins. Zuccardi’s precise approach to plot and soil type selection, honed over more than a decade, enabled each section of the vineyard to express its unique character.

Winemaking

Polígonos San Pablo Malbec is crafted with a minimalist approach to emphasize terroir. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts in concrete vessels, which maintains the natural flavors of the grape and soil. The wine is aged in concrete tanks, a choice that enhances freshness and minerality without any oak influence, underscoring the purity of the San Pablo terroir.

This 100% Malbec has an alcohol content of 13.5%, a total acidity of 5.8 g/L, and a pH of 3.59, resulting in a balanced wine with bright acidity and a structured finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with a vibrant intensity that reflects its high-altitude origins.
• Aroma: Notes of red and black fruits, floral hints, and subtle mineral undertones, with an herbaceous touch from the Andean climate.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with firm tannins and refreshing acidity. The palate reveals layers of dark fruit, minerality, and a long, structured finish that highlights the unique calcareous soils of San Pablo.

Did you know?

The Polígonos series is Zuccardi’s exploration of the distinctive characteristics of different “villages” within the Uco Valley. Each wine in this collection represents a specific mapped area within the vineyard, capturing the unique qualities of that site. San Pablo’s high-altitude environment, cold climate, and mineral soils allow for an especially precise and refined Malbec expression.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Lamb with Fresh Herbs: The wine’s tannins and herbaceous notes complement the flavors of lamb and fresh herbs, enhancing the dish’s savory profile.
• Mushroom Risotto with Thyme: The earthy mushrooms and herb flavors resonate with the wine’s mineral complexity, while its acidity balances the richness.
• Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts: The wine’s freshness and acidity pair well with the sweetness of roasted beets, the creaminess of feta, and the nutty flavors of walnuts.
• Stuffed Red Peppers with Quinoa and Herbs: The wine’s minerality and acidity match the earthy flavors of the peppers and quinoa, 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​​​​.