Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020

Zuccardi Tito Zuccardi 2020

 

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Zuccardi
Tito Zuccardi 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 85% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Franc

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.

Experts Score Vintage
TA Tim Atkin 95 2020
JS James Suckling 94 2020
RP Robert Parker 93 2020
WE Wine Enthusiast 93 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Paraje Altamira vineyard is located in San Carlos, Valle de Uco, at the southern tip of the Tunuyán River’s alluvial fan, where the altitude ranges from 1,050 to 1,150 meters. This area is distinguished by its cool, temperate climate with significant thermal amplitude, which enhances acidity and depth in the grapes. The soils are composed of a dense mix of stones and granite gravel covered in calcareous material, and massive rocks weighing up to 20 tons are scattered throughout the vineyard. These mineral-rich soils contribute structure and complexity to the wine, while the cool conditions emphasize freshness and balance.

This vintage brought unique challenges, with rapid grape maturation due to warm temperatures and limited yields, leading to concentrated flavors and excellent grape health. This vintage produced wines with remarkable aromatic complexity, juiciness, and a defined texture and structure.

Winemaking

Tito Zuccardi is a meticulous blend made from 85% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc. After careful cluster selection, the two varieties are co-fermented in concrete vessels using native yeasts, which enhances the wine’s natural flavors and preserves the authenticity of the terroir. Following fermentation, the wine is aged partly in concrete tanks to preserve freshness, and partly in untoasted 500-liter French oak barrels for subtle texture without oak influence.

The final wine has an alcohol content of 14.5%, total acidity of 5.7 g/L, and a pH of 3.64, resulting in a balanced, complex wine with fresh acidity and structured tannins.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep, vivid purple, reflecting its intensity and concentration.
  • Aroma: Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, and floral notes from Malbec, with a touch of green pepper and minerality from the Cabernet Franc.
  • Palate: Full-bodied with well-structured tannins, offering flavors of dark fruit, earthy mineral notes, and a fresh, long finish that highlights the calcareous soils and high-altitude origin.

Did you know?

Tito Zuccardi was a pioneer in Argentine viticulture, developing innovative irrigation and frost protection systems that allowed for successful grape cultivation in Mendoza’s arid conditions. This wine is a tribute to his resilience and vision, which laid the foundation for Zuccardi’s acclaimed vineyards. Tito Zuccardi not only preserved traditional European grape varieties like Sangiovese and Tempranillo but also initiated the family’s viticultural legacy, which continues to thrive under his grandson Sebastián Zuccardi.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled Ribeye with Chimichurri: The wine’s structured tannins and dark fruit notes pair perfectly with the richness of ribeye and the herbal freshness of chimichurri.
  • Mushroom and Thyme Tart: The earthy flavors of mushrooms resonate with the wine’s mineral complexity, while its acidity balances the richness of the tart.
  • Braised Lamb Shank with Rosemary and Garlic: The wine’s depth and tannins complement the savory, tender lamb, while the rosemary enhances its herbaceous character.
  • Aged Manchego Cheese: The nutty, intense flavors of Manchego create a balanced pairing with the wine’s acidity and structured finish.

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​​​​.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 95 Points (2020)
“We’re looking for the right architecture in this wine,” says Sebastián Zuccardi of his cuvée of Malbec with 15% Cabernet Franc. Chalky, refreshing yet textured at the same time, it displays understated oak, pure bramble and blackberry fruit and a long, energetic finish. A red that’s improving with every vintage

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2020)
Shows good depth of black cherries, scented violets, dried herbs, black licorice and cloves. A full-bodied malbec that shows tension on the palate, with fresh acidity and lots of dusty tannins. Nervy and nicely austere with a chalky finish.

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2020)
Despite the very warm year and the slightly higher alcohol (14.5%), the 2020 Tito Zuccardi feels impressively fresh and balanced with no heat or ripeness. They harvested earlier, and the wine is fine-boned and velvety, with more fruit than the 2019 or 2021 that I tasted next to it. Here the Malbec, which is the majority, is fermented together with the Cabernet Franc, and the two varieties feel very integrated together. This transcends the difficulties of the vintage. Rating: 93+

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 93 Points (2018)
Compact aromas of black plum, cassis and blackberry are reduced due to fermentation and aging in concrete, but with airing this Malbec opens like fan. A pure and juicy palate gets deeper and more layered with time in the glass. Plum, wild berry and savory flavors of wild herbs and stewed tomato finish with laser-like focus. Drink through 2025.

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 €
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Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2019
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Q Tempranillo 2019
RP
92
WE
91
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Zuccardi Q Malbec 2021
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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.

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Zuccardi Emma Zuccardi Bonarda 2018
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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.
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Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita 2018
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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 €
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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 €
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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 €
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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 €
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Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec 2018
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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.
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Zuccardi Fosil Chardonnay 2021
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Fosil Chardonnay 2021
JS
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VN
97
RP
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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.
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Zuccardi Poligonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020
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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 €
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Zuccardi Poligonos Malbec Gualtallary 2021
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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 €
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Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020
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Zuccardi
Q Chardonnay 2020
RP
91
JS
92
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.
20,90 €
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Zuccardi Serie A Torrontes 2023
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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 €
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Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2019
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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 €
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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.
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Zuccardi Botanico 2021
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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 €
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Zuccardi Finca Las Cerrilladas Malbec 2019
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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 €
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Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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VN
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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.
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Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2019
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JS
98
RP
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VN
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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 €
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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.
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