Zuccardi: thoughtful terroir-driven wines from Mendoza, Argentina
Website: https://zuccardiwines.com/en/
Zuccardi is currently one of Argentina’s most dynamic wine countries, producing several ranges of wines each around a clever theme. I tasted through this small selection at the Texsom conference in August 2023 and was really impressed.
Zuccardi Polígonos Semillon 2021 Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina
This is fermented and aged mostly in unlined concrete, plus some foudre. Semillon is a historically important variety in Argentina, and does really well here. Lovely flesh with nice juicy pear and lemon fruit, with some dried herb notes. This has a slightly pithy edge and some stony notes. 93/100
Zuccardi Fósil Chardonnay 2022 San Pablo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
From high altitude, this fermented and aged in unlined concrete. Lively and bright with just a subtle hint of cabbage on the nose alongside the bright fruit. The palate has a fine spicy edge alongside pure citrus fruit, and there’s a lovely mineral quality. So expressive. 94/100
Zuccardi Polígonos Malbec 2020 Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina
From soils rich in Caliche, this is aged in unlined concrete. There’s a hint of reduction on the nose, which is supple with fresh raspberry and strawberry character. Fresh in the mouth, too, with massive drinkability. Very fine with juicy red fruits, but also some substance. Very fine. 94/100
Zuccardi Aluvional Malbec 2018 Mendoza, Argentina
Unlined concrete again. Lovely focus and concentration with dense blackcurrant and blackberry fruit. Stony and mineral with amazing detail, and notes of spice and wet stone. Has brightness allied to density. 95/100
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2021 Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina
Sweetly aromatic blackcurrant and cherry fruit. Very fine and expressive with a juicy character and some stony minerality. Combines sweet and savoury beautifully. Well defined with lovely balance. 95/100
