Wine and Travel Concierge

Exploring The World One Sip At A Time

Zuccardi Wines: Exploring Argentina’s High-Altitude Wines of the Uco Valley


I’m once again exploring the wines of Argentina, and this time it’s Zuccardi Wines from the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Located in the foothills of the Andes, this high-altitude region is producing some fascinating wines. Zuccardi is a great example of how altitude, soils and winemaking techniques can shape what ends up in your glass – and sometimes totally surprise you!

Founded in 1963, Familia Zuccardi is a family-owned winery that has become one of the standout names in Argentina’s Uco Valley. Led by third-generation winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi, the focus is on high-altitude vineyards and expressing the unique soils, climate and character of each place. Their approach combines careful vineyard selection with thoughtful winemaking, including the use of concrete vessels to let the fruit and terroir shine without the overt influence of oak.

A display of various bottles of Zuccardi red wines, including Concreto Malbec, Polígonos Cabernet Franc, and Aluvional, arranged on a table with wine corks and tags.

At a recent Zuccardi wine lunch, I explored just how much variety can come from this part of Argentina. From a white wine reminiscent of Chablis to beautifully structured Malbecs, it was a great reminder that there’s so much more to Argentine wine than big, bold reds.

A printed menu featuring a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts for a dining event, with wine pairings listed for each course.
A close-up of a wine bottle labeled 'El Camino de las Flores' by Zuccardi, vintage 2024, showcasing a floral design and details about the vineyard and elevation.

We started with El Camino de las Flores 2024, a beautiful Chardonnay with freshness and elegance that brought Chablis to mind. An absolute stunner in my opinion! Fermented and aged in concrete, with no malolactic fermentation, the wine retained its natural acidity and bright, precise character. Time spent on the lees adds texture and complexity, creating a lovely balance between freshness and richness.

A glass of red wine on a dining table, surrounded by other glassware and utensils.
A plate of shrimp served on a bed of mixed greens, accompanied by two dipping sauces in small metal bowls, one beige and one red. Several wine glasses are visible in the background.

Zuccardi also makes extensive use of concrete vessels, which allow wines to develop without picking up the vanilla and toast flavours associated with oak. The Concreto Malbec 2023 was a great example of a fresher, more savoury expression of Malbec.

Three wine glasses filled with red wine, each labeled with wine names and vintages, placed on a white tablecloth. A name card labeled 'DONITA DYER' is also visible.
A plated dish featuring a piece of fish topped with herbs, accompanied by roasted tomatoes, a slice of lemon, and a bed of mixed greens, with several wine glasses in the background.

We also explored the Polígonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020, followed by three distinctive Malbecs: Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2022, Supercal Malbec 2022 and Aluvional Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018. Each offered a different perspective on the region and a reminder of just how many expressions Malbec can have.

A dining table set with several wine glasses, including red and white wines, alongside a dessert plate featuring a tart topped with strawberries and cream, garnished with green sauce.

Food Pairings

Once lunch began, I opted for the lighter fare, starting with a jumbo prawn cocktail paired with Concreto Malbec 2023 and Polígonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020. My next choice was the grilled branzino, served alongside Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal Malbec 2022 and Supercal Malbec 2022. It was fascinating to see just how different these expressions of Malbec were, each showcasing its own character.

To finish, we enjoyed Aluvional Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018 alongside a lemon tart – a memorable end to a fantastic lunch!

A glass bottle of organic extra virgin olive oil by Familia Zuccardi, labeled as Arauco variety, highlighting its historical significance in Argentina.

Beyond Wine: Zuccardi Olive Oil

The Zuccardi family’s expertise also extends beyond wine to premium extra virgin olive oil. The olive oil project began releasing varietal oils in 2004. Grown in Mendoza, the olives benefit from the region’s dry climate, and the family works with different varieties, including Arauco, a distinctive Argentine olive variety.

I love seeing this same focus on the land and its unique characteristics extend beyond the vineyard. It’s another interesting side of a family whose passion for quality goes well beyond wine.

Two smiling people holding wine glasses in a restaurant setting, celebrating with drinks.
José Zuccardi, Director of Familia Zuccardi

What I love about exploring wines like these is discovering how much a grape variety can change depending on where and how it’s grown. High altitude, cooler nights and the diverse soils of the Uco Valley all play a role in creating wines with freshness, texture and complexity.

Argentina is giving us plenty of reasons to look beyond the familiar bottle of Malbec, isn’t it? And If exploring more of its wines means hopping on a plane to do some in person wine tasting “research”, I’m in!

Want to explore Zuccardi wines for yourself?

The good news is that you can find some of these wines right here in Vancouver!

A couple more to look forward to: Supercal Malbec 2022 and Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2022 are expected to arrive in our market in 2027.

And for our Toronto wine lovers, there’s something special on the horizon too – El Camino de las Flores Chardonnay is expected to be available in 2027! (Lucky you!)

Until next time, keep exploring one sip and trip at a time.

Cheers, Donita

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