Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2022

Region and Vineyards

This Malbec is sourced from the esteemed Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, where vineyards range from 950 to 1,400 meters (3,117 to 4,593 feet) in altitude. The region’s proximity to the Andes Mountains profoundly influences its terroir, creating a cool climate with notable diurnal temperature variations, particularly during the grape ripening period. These temperature shifts enhance flavor concentration and preserve the wine’s natural acidity, essential for a balanced Malbec.

The soils of the Uco Valley, developed over millions of years, are alluvial and highly heterogeneous, filled with deposits of stones and minerals that contribute to the wine’s minerality and complexity. This terroir, combined with high-altitude conditions, nurtures Malbec grapes that reflect both elegance and vibrancy, hallmarks of the Uco Valley’s unique environment.

Winemaking

The winemaking process begins with destemming and crushing of the grapes, followed by a cold maceration for 5 to 7 days to intensify color and flavor. This Malbec undergoes a classic vinification with native yeasts, fermenting at controlled temperatures of 25 to 27°C (77°F), which highlights the fruit’s purity and complexity. The wine is then macerated for 20 days with regular pump-overs and delestages, ensuring an ideal extraction of tannins and flavor.

Part of the wine is aged in French oak barrels, which adds subtle layers of complexity and structure without overpowering the fruit’s natural expression. This careful combination of techniques results in a 100% Malbec with balanced acidity and a soft, approachable character, achieving 14% alcohol, 5.7 g/L total acidity, and a pH of 3.62.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Intense and vibrant purple.
• Aroma: Rich notes of ripe red fruit such as plum and cherry with delicate herbal undertones.
• Palate: Medium-bodied with round, approachable tannins and balanced acidity. The palate offers a fruit-forward profile with a fresh, elegant finish, capturing the typicity of Malbec from the Uco Valley.

Did you know?

The Serie A line was one of Zuccardi’s early initiatives to celebrate the diversity of Argentina’s wine regions. The name “Serie A” stands for “Argentina Series,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to representing the country’s most expressive grape varieties and regions along the Andes Mountains.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentine Asado (Grilled Meats): The wine’s fruitiness and acidity complement the rich, smoky flavors of grilled meats.
• Roasted Duck with Cherry Sauce: The ripe cherry notes in the wine enhance the fruitiness of the dish, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the duck.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: The wine’s herbal undertones and balanced acidity pair well with the earthy flavors and spices in stuffed peppers.
• Hard Aged Cheeses: The structured tannins and fruit profile make it an ideal match for nutty, aged cheeses like Manchego.

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​​​​.