Familia Zuccardi Poligonos Paraje Altamira Malbec

Sebastian Zuccardi, grandson of the founder, is now in charge at this trailblazing family winery. Rapidly establishing himself as one of the great winemaking talents of Argentina, he is determined to alter the world's perception of Malbec and evolve our understanding of what Mendoza has to offer. He talks of not seeking perfect wines, but those that express the place, the region. His vision is not altitude, it is terroir: terroir honed and shaped by the icy Andes flood waters whose power brought the rocks and boulders that now form the sub-soils of many of the very best vineyards. Frequently pictured waist deep in a muddy hole in one of these vineyards, these rocks not only form part of the vineyard but in their new winery, they form the building and the fermentation vessels. At the forefront of the movement towards greater fruit purity, Sebastian's wines are the most convincing argument for the use of concrete fermentation and ageing vessels and, as a result, for the movement towards a greater understanding of the potential of Malbec and of Argentina in general. Though we may be a little biased, it is fair to say that Sebastian is amongst the most influential young winemakers on the planet.

Malbec,

Alluvial soil well stratified, 10cm to 80cm deep soil over big-clay covered stones

2020 vintage was an exceptional one, where the climate conditions allowed us to harvest each region, variety and soil type at the time we were expecting. Spring was generally humid (not necessarily rainy, but humid, with dew points that where higher than average). It has been a year of cool temperatures during a full week of January, and then moderate temperature always below average. The same thing happened during February and March, however this was a year of high luminosity.

Maceration done in concrete vats (no epoxy) with indigenous yeast. Maceration for 20 days. The wine was aged in concrete vats.

‘Polígono’ refers to the many faces of a vineyard. Sebastián Zuccardi explores those unique vineyard characteristics through precise grape selections from the individual micro regions of the Uco Valley. Polígonos del Valle de Uco is a range of wines from selected vineyards that reveal the differences in altitude, soil and climate that characterise the sub-regions of Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary.

Expressive and refined pure dark fruit flavours of plum and blackcurrant with earthy notes of herbs and spices. A long, fragrant and perfectly poised finish.

Great with grilled/roasted meats. Try with Beef & chorizo empanadas.