Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2021

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​​​​.