Estate: The Zuccardi family has been making wine in Mendoza since 1963, when Alberto Zuccardi planted his first vines. Now in his 90’s, Alberto is known as a pioneering force in both Mendoza and the Uco Valley. Today, the multiple estate vineyards and winery are headed by Alberto’s son, José, along with José’s eldest son, Sebastián, and daughter, Julia [the 3rd generation].

The family believes in caring for the land and “using people rather than machines whenever possible”. Many of the families that worked with the company under Alberto’s leadership are still with the estate today. With over 800 hectares of vineyards, the family focuses on “coexisting with nature without damaging it”. Preservation of biodiversity is greatly important; more than 70 hectares are woods, over 1800 species of native flora are preserved, and biological corridors have been created. Chemical products are not used at all, the vineyards are farmed sustainably and organically, with 35% currently certified organic. Sustainable methods, including a comprehensive recycling program, composting of must and skins, and solar energy are utilized in the cellar.

‘Serie A’ stands for “Argentina Series” and was created as a means of expressing the “most representative grape varieties by recognizing the best growing regions specific to each and selecting top vineyard sites along the foothills of the Andes Mountains.” The Serie A line “demonstrates the richness and diversity of Argentina’s many micro-climates and soils”.

Philosophy: “The word ‘family’ is central to the way in which we have always run our business.”

Winemaking: Grapes are from different vineyards across the Valle de Uco, making “the wine more complete and complex”. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete vats, part of the wine was aged in used French oak barrels for 10 months.

Tasting Notes: Deep red-violet in colour with aromas of black cherry, plum, leather and crushed black peppercorn. Black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and a shake of white pepper are framed by bright acidity and black tea tannins. Baked berries and baking spice linger on the velvety finish. Fruity and lush, fantastic on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

100% Malbec
Mendoza
Argentina
Produced and Bottled by Familia Zuccardi
13.5% Alcohol
$15 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2020

Rated 91 points by Wine Advocate

Sample submitted for editorial consideration.

Estate: The Zuccardi family has been making wine in Mendoza since 1963, when Alberto Zuccardi planted his first vines. Now in his 90’s, Alberto is known as a pioneering force in both Mendoza and the Uco Valley. Today, the multiple estate vineyards and winery are headed by Alberto’s son, José, along with José’s eldest son, Sebastián, and daughter, Julia [the 3rd generation].

Established in the 1990’s in honor of Julia, “Santa Julia represents the Zuccardi Family’s commitment to achieve the highest quality levels through sustainable practices, contributing to protect the environment and to develop the community”. José’s only daughter, she is now the director of the Familia Zuccardi winery. The family is committed to achieving the highest quality wines through sustainable practices, working to protect the environment, wildlife preservation, water conservation and developing the community. Expanding to the Uco Valley, the family opened Valle de Uco Winery last year, where winemakers focus on research and development, while studying the variables that influence wines throughout the Uco Valley.

Philosophy: “To be natural, environmentally friendly and grow in harmony with the community of which we are part.”

Winemaking: Grapes are form the Santa Rosa and Maipu Vineyards in Mendoza. Vinified in stainless steel tanks, skin maceration for 10 days.

Tasting Notes: Red violet in colour with aromas of grape preserves, black cherry, earth and soft cigar box spice. Ripe blackberry, cherry and plum are laced with tobacco leaf and a trace of baking chocolate. Good acidity and light tannins add a refreshing, easy drinking character. Dark berry fruit and a hint of licorice and earth linger into the lengthy finish. A lovely sipper on its own, or with spiced, earthy dishes.

100% Malbec
Mendoza
Argentina
Produced & Bottled by Bodega Santa Julia
13% Alcohol
$11 [average price]
Enjoy now thru 2021

Sample submitted for editorial consideration.