Zuccardi Mountain Vineyard Malbec 2024

Zuccardi is one of Mendoza's leading families, now run by Sebastian Zuccardi, who has built the estate's reputation on high-altitude, site-driven wines. This Malbec comes from mountain vineyards in the Uco Valley, the coolest and highest of Mendoza's sub-regions, sitting well above 1,000 metres at the foot of the Andes. The altitude is everything: intense daytime sun ripens the fruit, while cold nights preserve acidity and give the wine its freshness and tension, the wide diurnal range that sets these reds apart from warmer lowland Malbec. The stony, calcareous soils drain freely and add a mineral grip to the palate. The wine is aged in barrel, which softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange while keeping the fruit clear and bright. The colour is deep violet. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry and red berries, with black pepper, dried herbs and a stony, earthy edge. The palate is full but fresh, with firm, fine tannins and a long, mineral finish. Decant for an hour and serve at 17 degrees in a large glass. It suits grilled meats and roasted vegetables.