Zuccardi Q Malbec 2021

Region and Vineyards

Zuccardi Q Malbec originates from two of the Uco Valley’s most esteemed regions in Mendoza, Argentina: Paraje Altamira and Los Chacayes. The Paraje Altamira vineyards are situated on an alluvial fan from the Tunuyán River at an altitude of 1,100 meters (3,609 feet). Known for its cool climate and large diurnal temperature range, this area has soils rich in stones and granite gravel, covered with calcareous material. These unique soils add complexity and minerality to the Malbec, contributing to the structure and depth of the wine.

The Los Chacayes vineyards, located west of the Uco Valley at around 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), also sit on an alluvial fan, this time from the Arroyo Grande. The soil here consists of sandy textures with small stones, ideal for maintaining good drainage. This terroir, combined with a sunny, temperate climate, encourages the development of bold red fruit flavors and a firm tannin structure in the grapes. Together, these regions provide a distinctive, layered profile for Zuccardi Q Malbec.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Zuccardi Q Malbec begins with careful selection of grape clusters, focusing on quality and ripeness. The grapes are transferred by gravity into fermentation vessels, where they undergo fermentation with native yeasts in concrete tanks. This use of native yeasts enhances the unique characteristics of the terroir, preserving the purity and expression of the Malbec fruit.

Following fermentation, the wine is aged in a combination of concrete tanks and used, untoasted 500-liter French oak barrels. This maturation approach emphasizes the wine’s natural fruit profile and elegance, allowing a refined integration of tannins and a smooth texture. The result is a 100% Malbec with a balanced structure, a modest 14% alcohol content, 5.63 g/L of total acidity, and a pH of 3.69.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense violet-red, highlighting the vibrant character of Malbec.
• Aroma: Aromas of fresh red fruit, such as cherries and plums, mingle with floral notes, herbs, and subtle hints of spice and mint, creating a complex and inviting bouquet.
• Palate: The wine is medium-bodied, with ripe and firm tannins. It displays a strong fruity character with a notable freshness and minerality, ending with a long, elegant finish. This Malbec reflects the high-altitude terroir with balanced intensity and finesse.

Did you know?

Zuccardi Q was the first wine to carry the family name on the label when it was launched in 1999. The letter "Q" stands for "Quality" and signifies that the grapes come from selected parcels of Zuccardi’s best vineyards. These vineyards were initially marked with a "Q" to indicate that these parcels required special attention to achieve exceptional quality, a legacy that continues with each vintage.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Argentine Steak: The wine’s robust tannins and fresh acidity complement the richness and smoky flavors of grilled beef.
• Lamb Tagine: The spices in the dish pair harmoniously with the wine’s herbal and subtle mint notes, while the fruity character enhances the flavors of the lamb.
• Aged Manchego Cheese: The Malbec’s intense fruit profile and acidity balance the richness and nutty flavors of aged Manchego cheese.
• Roasted Vegetables with Thyme: The herbal and fruity notes of the wine match well with the earthy and savory flavors of roasted vegetables.

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​​​​.