Zuccardi Wines: A Family Legacy Elevating Argentina’s Wine Scene.
Situated in the heart of Argentina’s Uco Valley, Zuccardi Wines stands as a testament to the harmony of innovation and tradition. With a deep-rooted history spanning three generations, the winery has become a global symbol of quality, terroir-driven wines. During our conversation with José Alberto Zuccardi, the second-generation leader of the family winery, we uncovered the incredible journey of Zuccardi Wines and its impact on the Argentine wine industry.
A Legacy Born from Irrigation
The story of Zuccardi Wines begins not with winemaking, but with water. José Alberto’s father, a civil engineer, came to Mendoza in the 1950s to improve irrigation efficiency in the arid region. Mendoza, a high-altitude desert where water is a precious resource, relies on melted snow from the Andes for irrigation. Initially, he planted a vineyard in 1963 as a demonstration plot for his irrigation systems. What started as a practical experiment quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for viticulture, laying the foundation for Zuccardi Wines.
The Rise of Malbec and Argentine Wine on the Global Stage
As the winery expanded, José Alberto Zuccardi joined in 1976, helping to transform the family business into a global brand. Until the 1990s, Argentina was largely absent from the international wine market, consuming 75% of its own production. However, José Alberto was among the pioneers who introduced Argentine wines—most notably Malbec—to the world.
Malbec, which had arrived in Argentina in 1853, found its true home in Mendoza. Over time, Argentine producers realized that Malbec consistently thrived in the region, producing wines of exceptional quality. This was not a marketing-driven decision, but an organic recognition of Malbec’s suitability to the local terroir. Today, Malbec is synonymous with Argentine wine, but Zuccardi Wines has always strived to showcase the diversity beyond just one grape variety.
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The Evolution of Terroir-Driven Wines
At the heart of Zuccardi Wines’ philosophy is the deep exploration of terroir. The winery focuses on mountain viticulture, with vineyards planted at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level. The soils of the Uco Valley, formed over millions of years by glacial and alluvial activity, offer a unique combination of volcanic and marine influences, resulting in a diverse range of wine expressions.
Sebastián Zuccardi, José Alberto’s son and the third generation of the family, has been instrumental in refining the winery’s approach to terroir-driven winemaking. He emphasizes detailed parcel selection, dividing vineyards into smaller blocks based on soil composition. This attention to micro-terroirs has led to the production of distinct wines that reflect the land’s unique characteristics.
Among the most notable wines is Finca Piedra Infinita, sourced from a vineyard divided into over 40 parcels, with only the most expressive blocks selected for the final wine. The Gravas Cal and Super Calcáreas wines further highlight the influence of calcareous soils, delivering wines of incredible texture and minerality.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
While deeply respectful of tradition, Zuccardi Wines is also a hub of innovation. The winery has experimented with diverse grape varieties beyond Malbec, including Bonarda, Torrontés, and even international grapes like Viognier and Ancelotta. One of their boldest projects involved planting 30 different varieties from various regions to expand consumer palates.
Beyond grape selection, the winery has embraced cutting-edge winemaking techniques. A significant shift has been the move towards concrete fermentation and aging, with many wines now produced in unlined concrete vats that allow for micro-oxygenation while preserving purity of fruit and terroir expression. Oak is used sparingly, with a focus on large foudres that offer gentle aging without overpowering the wine’s natural character.
Sustainability and Community: A Holistic Approach
A key pillar of Zuccardi’s philosophy is environmental responsibility. Given Mendoza’s desert conditions, the winery has prioritized organic farming and minimal intervention practices. The winery’s remote location means that vineyards coexist with natural vegetation, which is preserved to maintain biodiversity.
Equally important is the winery’s commitment to its people. Zuccardi invests heavily in education programs for its workers and their families, including cultural centers and secondary schools. As José Alberto put it, “Wine is people and place,” and taking care of both ensures the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Recognition and the Future of Zuccardi Wines
Zuccardi Wines has earned worldwide acclaim, consistently receiving top scores from international critics. Their dedication to authenticity was further validated when the Zuccardi Valle de Uco winery was named the world’s best vineyard for three consecutive years—a testament to its seamless integration with the natural landscape.
Looking ahead, the future of Zuccardi Wines remains rooted in exploration. The family is expanding its focus on high-altitude white wines, particularly Chardonnay, Sémillon, Albariño, and Riesling, believing that Argentina has the potential to become a major player in premium white wine production. Additionally, they are pioneering natural wines, leveraging Mendoza’s dry climate to produce organic, low-intervention wines without sulfites.
A Living Legacy
Perhaps the most touching testament to Zuccardi’s success is the family’s tradition of naming wines after their loved ones. José Alberto’s wife and father have both been honored with their own wines, and in a full-circle moment, Sebastián created the José Zuccardi Malbec—an homage to his father’s passion and conviction.
We have put an extensive review of the 2020 vintage, which we enjoyed together with Jose Alberto, online for you to read here.
In our article on the 2024 edition of Sligro’s Wine Experience you will find further details on some of the other wines in their portfolio. Click here to read them.
As José Alberto reflected, “Wine is more than just a beverage. It is history, culture, and a shared experience. Every bottle is a connection between people and a representation of its land.”
With its unwavering dedication to quality, terroir, and sustainability, Zuccardi Wines is not just a winery—it is a legacy in motion, shaping the future of Argentine wine for generations to come.
Learn more on Grape Masters
Jose Alberto is our guest in the second episode of season two of our podcast Grape Masters.. For more information on the podcast click here. Tune in and be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform for more interviews with leading wineries.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts. Zuccardi Wines are imported and sold in the Netherlands through Sligro in the Netherlands, who kindly assisted us in arranging this interview.
We would like to thank José Alberto and Nicolas Angelini of Zuccardi, and Joris Aarts of Sligro, for their time and support in writing this article. Picture credits: Zuccardi Wines.
