In the heart of Argentina’s Uco Valley, where the majestic Andes mountains kiss the sky, lies a winery that embodies the spirit of its land. Zuccardi Valle de Uco is not just a place; it’s a legacy, a dream spanning three generations, each leaving an indelible mark on the art of winemaking. It was in 1963 when Engineer Alberto “Tito” Zuccardi, in his quest to conquer the arid Mendoza desert, planted the seeds of what would become a family legacy. His invention of an innovative irrigation system transformed not just the landscape, but also his life’s passion – viticulture. The story of the Zuccardi family is one of vision and innovation. Tito’s son, José Alberto, took the reins in1985 and propelled the winery onto the world stage, becoming a beacon for Argentine wines. His son, Sebastián, continues this tradition, leading the charge to explore and honor the Uco Valley’s rich terroir.
Sebastián Zuccardi, an agronomist and third-generation winemaker, believes in the magic of terroir – that a wine should tell the story of its origins. “I enjoy opening a bottle of wine and being able to travel to its placeof origin,” he says. This philosophy is the heartbeat of Zuccardi Valle de Uco, where wines are crafted to reflect the soul of their environment. In 2009, Sebastián established the Research and Development department to delve deeper into the Uco Valley’s diverse soils and climates. This dedication to understanding the land has allowed Zuccardi wines to express their identity with transparency and precision. It’s a labor of love that has earned them international acclaim, including three wines awarded 100 points by Robert Parker | Wine Advocate in 2022.
Zuccardi’s commitment to the land is also reflected in its architecture. The winery, inaugurated in 2016, is a tribute to the Andes. Built using natural materials from the region – stone, sand, and water – it seamlessly blends into the landscape, respecting and honoring the mountain range that defines the vineyard’s character. The use of concrete, a material that imparts no flavors to the wine, ensures that every bottle is a pure expression of its place of origin. Sebastián and his team have embraced a contemplative approach to viticulture, one that respects the landscape and the natural development of the vines. This philosophy extends to the winery’s design, where concrete vessels allow for minimal intervention, preserving the authenticity of the wine.
At the heart of Zuccardi Valle de Uco is a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Head Winemaker Laura Principiano, alongside Sebastián, has been instrumental in advancing the winery’s vision. Her leadership in the Winemaking and Research and Development departments has been pivotal in crafting wines that are not just beverages but narratives of their terroir.
Viticulturist Martín di Stefano shares this passion, overseeing the development of the vineyards with a deep respect for the land. His contemplative approach, honed through experiences across the globe, has shaped Zuccardi’s vineyards into a patchwork of unique micro-regions, each contributing its own voice to the symphony of flavors in their wines.
Zuccardi Valle de Uco’s acclaim is not limited to its wines alone. Recognized as the “New World Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast and named the Best Vineyard in the World for three consecutive years, the winery has solidified its place on the global stage. These accolades are a testament to the Zuccardi family’s dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to the land they love. In every sip of Zuccardi wine, there is a story – of a family’s dedication, of the rugged beauty of the Uco Valley, and of a dream that began with a simple vineyard in the desert. As you raise a glass of Zuccardi, you are not just tasting wine; you are experiencing the echoes of the Andes, the whispers of the soil, and the legacy of a family that dared to dream.
