Familia Zuccardi 'Q' 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,

At Zuccardi it is clearly understood that quality starts in the vineyards. Through extensive research and the use of technology such as electromagnetic mapping of soil, they are reaching ever greater understandings of the terroir and how to match soils with the most appropriate grape variety. With extensive vineyard holdings in Maipu, Santa Rosa and increasingly at high altitude sites in the Uco Valley, the quality at Zuccardi is ever improving as these wines find their place. Every aspect of viticulture at Zuccardi, from irrigation techniques, trellising and training, pruning and harvesting is constantly reviewed and improved upon whilst always remains true to their principles of sustainability.

Classic vinification with indigenous yeast from the vineyards. Skin maceration for 20 days with pigeage and delestage. Complete malolactic fermentation. Matured in French medium toasted oak barrels and concrete vats for 12 months. Natural clarification. Soft filtration before bottling. Six months more in bottle before release.

The Q Malbec offers a lovely deep purple colour, with bluish hues. Intense red and black fruits aromas, such as blackberries and blueberry jelly. French oak aging provides tobacco and chocolate hints. Soft and silky entry, great structure, acidity that provides freshness and mineral texture. Long finish.

Made to be drunk with red meat, the classic match for Malbec.