Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020

Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020

 

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Zuccardi
Q Chardonnay 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 92 2020
RP Robert Parker 91 2020
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, is home to the vineyards of Gualtallary and El Peral, where Zuccardi Q Chardonnay finds its roots. Gualtallary, situated at the foot of the Frontal Mountain Range, rises between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (3,937 to 4,593 feet) above sea level. This area’s high-altitude desert conditions, paired with its unique rugged terrain, produce soils rich in calcareous material, with layers of sand, caliche, and stones, providing a mineral backbone to the wine. The region’s warm days and cool nights contribute to a steady ripening process, preserving the grapes’ natural acidity and flavor intensity.

El Peral is located slightly lower, at around 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), within a cool microclimate protected by the surrounding hills. The soils here are of medium depth, featuring small gravel layers from the Las Tunas River’s alluvial fan, occasionally covered in calcareous material. This distinctive soil composition, combined with the cool nights, enhances the wine’s freshness and structure, contributing to the refined complexity of the Chardonnay.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Zuccardi Q Chardonnay begins with direct pressing of the grapes, preserving the purity and clarity of the juice. Fermentation takes place with native yeasts, which foster a more authentic expression of the Uco Valley’s terroir. To balance texture and freshness, 50% of the wine is fermented and aged in used, untoasted French oak barrels of 500 liters, allowing a gentle oak influence without overwhelming the fruit. The remaining 50% is fermented and aged in concrete vessels, which preserve the wine’s minerality and enhance its vibrancy.

This Chardonnay is crafted without malolactic fermentation, resulting in a wine with bright acidity and a focused, crisp profile. With 13.5% alcohol, 7 g/L total acidity, and a pH of 3.26, Zuccardi Q Chardonnay exhibits a balanced structure that is both juicy and refined, emphasizing its high-altitude origins.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Bright straw yellow, reflecting its freshness and purity.
  • Aroma: Aromatic notes of citrus, green apple, and white flowers, layered with subtle hints of mineral and a whisper of oak.
  • Palate: Fresh and lively with a medium body, showcasing a balanced acidity that emphasizes flavors of crisp apple and lime zest. The finish is clean and mineral-driven, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and precision.

Did you know?

Zuccardi’s Q series was the first wine line to bear the family’s name on the label, signifying the Zuccardi commitment to quality and terroir-driven expression. Each vineyard plot is carefully selected and tended to maximize the natural character and complexity of Argentina’s high-altitude regions, making each bottle a tribute to the Mendoza landscape.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Trout with Almond Brown Butter: The wine’s fresh acidity balances the richness of brown butter, while its mineral notes resonate with the delicate flavors of trout.
  • Lobster Ravioli with Lemon Cream Sauce: The bright citrus and mineral profile complements the creamy sauce and enhances the lobster’s sweetness.
  • Risotto with Asparagus and Pecorino: The wine’s crispness and subtle oak influence match beautifully with the earthy asparagus and sharp pecorino, creating a well-rounded pairing.
  • Cauliflower Steaks with Herb Tahini Sauce: The wine’s acidity and fruitiness cut through the creamy tahini, highlighting the earthy flavor of roasted cauliflower and fresh herbs.

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) : 92 Points (2020)
Sliced apple, apricot, lemon zest and chamomile on the nose. Hints of white pepper,too. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a fresh, mineral finish.

Robert Parker (RP) : 91 Points (2020)
There's a little more ripeness in the 2020 Q Chardonnay, which comes from a warmer vintage. It has aromas of yellow fruit and a rounder mouthfeel, still serious and austere but a little gentler and more approachable when compared with the surprising 2019. It still has moderate alcohol and very good freshness. 70,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2020.

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 €
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
JS
99
RP
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 Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
Zuccardi
Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
JS
96
WS
94
RP
94
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 €
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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 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
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
Wine regions guide
20,90 €
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