Winemaker Notes
Sebastian Zuccardi made this wine in honor of his father, José Alberto Zuccardi. Created in a more traditional style, the wine symbolizes Jose’s passion for his family, his workers, and his commitment to showcasing the quality of mountain wines from Mendoza. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from the calcareous soils of Paraje Altamira & Gualtallary vineyards in the Uco Valley. After careful grape selection the wine was vinified in concrete vats filled by gravity and fermented with indigenous (wild) yeasts. Macerated for 20 days with daily submerging of the layer of grape stems, seeds and skins during fermentation to gently extract color, tannins, flavor and aromas from the grape solids. The wine was aged in oak barrels and concrete vessels. Bottled unfiltered.
Intense red black color with aromas and flavors of ripe blackberry and red plum underscored by subtle spicy notes. The firm tannins and bright acidity give structure and freshness to the wine while enhancing the long, smooth finish.
Blend: 90% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A serious red with layers of blackberry, wet earth and stone character. Flowers too. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Black pepper and spice on the finish. Drink.
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Wine & Spirits
José Zuccardi, the son of the winery’s founder, helped to develop the international market for his family’s wines. José’s son, Sebastián, is now in charge of winemaking and makes this malbec in homage to his father. He selects fruit from a vineyard in Altamira with chalk soils, offering a wine with distinctive tannins, firm and sharp, sustaining flavors of black cherries and spice. It’s generous rather than concentrated, with floral notes in a refreshing finish.
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Wine Spectator
Suave and finely textured, with an engaging minerality to the dark plum, red currant and dried blackberry flavors, supported by firm tannins and acidity. The savory finish has hints of pepper and plenty of cedary spice accents. Drink now through 2024.
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Wine Enthusiast
A crisp, focused nose consisting of lemon peel, cedar, dried cheese, blackberry and cassis aromas is encouraging. This Malbec (with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon) is mouth-filling and tight, with firm tannins. Pointed salty flavors of black plum and berry fruits finish with integrated spice and cocoa notes. Drink now through 2024—the longer this sits, the less aggressive and choppy it'll be.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.