Argentina is the land of Tango, Parillas, Empanadas and Malbecs. Malbec helped put Argentina on the world wine map. There is no doubt that the most beloved grape from the region is Malbec, but it is also a country that produces the entire spectrum of wines, from sparkling wines, to whites, roses and reds. The Zuccardi Family in Mendoza, Argentina aims to make it all.
Malbec is Argentina’s iconic red varietal and Torrontes is its native white grape. Known throughout the world for these varietals, Argentina also produces Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, and Syrah. It produces white varietals such as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Under the Zuccardi and Santa Julia brand, Familia Zuccardi grows over 35 varietals.
The company was founded in 1963 by Alberto Zuccardi. Alberto an engineer by background, planted vines in Mendoza with his own irrigation royalpharmacyrx system he created. Today there are three generations of Zuccardi family members passionately involved in the winemaking. Decanter has awarded José And Sebastián Zuccardi as the five most influential wine personalities in Argentina.
Zuccardi is the only winery in Argentina having developed 35 new varieties of wines. With constant innovation, the winery has produced wines created out of non traditional grape varieties in Argentina, making wines from Tempranillo, Bonarda, Viognier, and Caladoc to name just a few. In 1999, with the presentation of Zuccardi Q Tempranillo, they were the first Argentinian winery to produce a premium wine out of a nontraditional variety of grapes in Argentina. They are also researching the introduction of other unknown varietals to Argentina, such as Aglianico, Nero D’Avola and Mavasia.
Today Sebastián is the third generation of the family in charge of producing wines with the highest quality standards in the Uco Valley. He is deeply dedicated to the study of terroir and the various variables that affect the quality of wine. The objective is, according to Sebastián’s words “not to look for perfect wines, but those that express the place, the region”.
Familia Zuccardi Wines
The wines of Familia Zuccardi are a wonderful value and deliver exceptional wines at these price points. They are sold under the label of Zuccardi and Santa Julia. These wines are a beautiful representation of the wines of Argentina and the commitment and dedication of the Zuccardi family to deliver premium quality wines.
Zuccardi Blanc de Blancs (SRP $34.99)
Zuccardi makes one of the best sparkling wines in Argentina. The Blanc de Blanc is the great project of Sebastián Zuccardi, who decided to make sparkling wine in Mendoza after having worked in Champagne. Produced through the traditional method with 100% Chardonnay grapes from high altitude vineyards.
Zuccardi Q Chardonnay Tupungato Valle De Uco 2016 (SRP $20)
The Zuccardi ‘Q’ line represent wines of the highest quality made from the oldest vines, up to 40 years of age. This Chardonnay is sourced from select vineyards in Tupungato at 4035 feet elevation. The wine demonstrates great character and balance with notes of citrus, vanilla and minerality. A beautiful Chardonnay.
Zuccardi Serie A Bonarda Santa Rosa 2016 (SRP $15)
The Zuccardi Serie A range demonstrates the richness and diversity of Argentina’s many micro-climates and soils. 100% Bonarda from the Santa Rosa Vineyards, the wine is deep with a dark ruby-red color. There are intense notes of plum and blackberries. It is vivacious wine, full of pure ripe fruit, soft in style with a long elegant finish.
Zuccardi Q Malbec Valle de Uco 2016 (SRP $20)
Zuccardi Q Malbec is sourced from select vineyard lots in Vista Flores (3904 ft) and La Consulta (3494 ft), Uco Valley. The front label image illustrates the stone walls of the Zuccardi winery rising from the Uco Valley soils symbolizing how the Andes mountains emerged millions of years ago.
The wine is deep purple in color. It has aromatic notes of red fruits and flowers. The flavor is soft and silky. Great structure and acidity along with freshness and minerality that are ever-present. A nice long lingering finish.
Santa Julia Organic Malbec Rosé 2018 (SRP $11)
Santa Julia is made with organic grapes from certified organic vineyards. The rosé is 100% Malbec from Santa Rosa and Maipu vineyards. The wine has a pale salmon hue with aromas of strawberries and blackberries. The wine is delicate and fresh in style with an excellent balance between acidity and sugar.
Santa Julia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (SRP $11)
Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from organically grown grapes from the Santa Rosa Vineyards. It is ruby red in color with nice fruit aromas of blackberries and cassis. Lovely notes of spice and fruit on the nose. The wine is medium body, well-balanced with soft tannins and smooth long finish.
Santa Julia Reserva Mountain Blend Valle de Uco 2017 (SRP $15)
The Reserva line is made with grapes from the Uco Valley. The combination of a cool climate, heterogeneous soils, altitude up to 1400m above sea level and the great tradition in the cultivation of vines, make this region a unique place for the production of wines born at the foot of the Andes
The wine is a wonderful blend of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. In the mouth the Cabernet Franc provides notes of black fruits and tannins, achieving a perfect combination that results in a complex, elegant and highly concentrated wine.
**** The wines are media samples. All opinions are my own.****
This month our host Jeff Burrows takes the Wine Pairing Weekend group to Argentina. See what my fellow wine writers discovered on their journeys!
- Deanna from Asian Test Kitchen presents”Spicy Thai Basil Chicken + Torrontes”
- Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm shares “A Taste of Argentina”
- Jill from L’Occasion presents “All The Range: Not Just Malbec From Argentina“
- Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla shares “Carbonada Criolla + Zuccardi Q 2013 Tempranillo”
- David at Cooking Chat presents “Roasted Chimichurri Steak and Wines from Argentina”
- Cindy at Grape Experiences shares “Wine and Dine with Bodega Trivento Winemaker German di Cesare”
- Sarah at Curious Cuisiniere presents “Ñoqui con Tuco (Potato Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce) paired with Argentinian Wine”
- Michelle at Rockin Red Blog shares “Exploring Argentinian Wine with the Zuccardi Family”
- Jane at Always Ravenous presents “How to Pair Vegetarian Food with Argentine Wines”
- Jennifer at Vino Travels shares “Argentina Wines with Familia Zuccardi”
- Kat at Bacchus Travel and Tours presents “Exploring Argentina: Warm Wines for Cold Nights”
- Nicole at Somms Table shares “Catena Lunlunta Malbec and Steak with Chimichurri for Two“
- Nancy at Pull That Cork presents “Domaine Bousquet Reserve Wines & Savory Tray Bake“
- Steve at Steven’s Wine and Food Blog shares “Argentine Torrontes and Romesco Sauce”
- Gwen at Wine Predator shares “Go Organic in 2019 With Argentina’s Domaine Bousquet and Santa Julia”
- I have for you Syrah Queen presents “Wines of Zuccardi – Malbec and Beyond”
- Our host Jeff at Food Wine Click! presents “Party Guaranteed: Pulled Pork and Argentine Wine”
Join us this Saturday morning on twitter, as we chat about our finds, discoveries and pairings from Argentina. We love visitors. Just follow the #WinePW hashtag on Twitter at 11am Eastern time on January 12th.
Hi! I’m Rupal.
I would love to try those bubbles.
We just opened the Chard last night and were very pleased with it.
Oh, I’m so curious about that Zuccardi Blanc de Blancs! All of the wines in this group sound delicious. Cheers! ?
Traditional method BdB aged 58 months for $35. That’s insane. Where can I find some?
The sparkling Bdb looks and sounds dleicious!