Zuccardi Wineries Aluvional Series is a selection of wines made from the best soils of alluvial origin in the Uco Valley, Mendoza. In developing the Zuccardi Aluvional Series, the winemaker wanted to highlight the uniqueness and authenticity of each terroir, in this case the Tupungato Alto terroir, using the Malbec grape.

The erosive force of the floods generated by melting glaciers and down water, ice and rock with brutal force, can be seen in the soils with rocks of great magnitude, rounded edges and heterogeneity. It is through these environmental hallmarks that these differences can become key pointers in dictating the style and origin of this type of true terroir driven Malbec.

Zuccardi Aluvional Gualta Tupungato Alto Malbec 2013, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 14.5 Abv.

Deep dense dark opaque colour, as black as a heavily overcast night in the Patagonian dessert. The nose is intricate and complex, teasing you with subtle notes of cedar wood spice, leafy plum skins, sappy black berries and brûléed coffee bean nuances. The palate is as bold and intense as the colour and nose suggest it will be, however, the tart, vibrantly fresh black berry acidity lift raises this wine up as if to make it walk on tip toes. Beautiful freshness, deliciously complex concentration, plenty of sappy, stalky spice and a long, coco powder dusted black berry finish. A very accomplished wine that will no doubt make a lot of friends among Malbec lovers! Drink now to 2028.

(Wine Safari Score: 95/100 Greg Sherwood MW)