Zuccardi: Argentine Malbec Magic

Know Your Wine : Zuccardi 

The storyof this brand linked with immigration of Alberto Zuccardi'sfamily from Italy to Argentina in the late 19th century ., Alberto Zuccardi, an engineer by trade, was responsible for helping to develop the irrigation system in Mendoza city, which was almost a desert. In 1963,  he planted an acre of vineyard to show how his watering system could benefit grape quality, thereby writing himself into history. 

Innovation is usually the bailiwick of the small aggressive start-up. The two guys in the garage rather than the big successful established company. Zuccardi is that rarity that can straddle both worlds. The company that has climbed to the top, but is still able to act like the two guys in the garage - only with greater resources.

Now Familia Zuccardi ranks among the Argentina’s most respected wine producers, winning 'Top Value Brand of the Year' three times from Wines and Spirits and last year a Lifetime Achievement award. Alberto’s son José now manages the business with grandsons Sebastián and Miguel, while Rubén Ruffo, the estate’s internationally experienced winemaker, ensures every wine made under the Zuccardi name is outstanding in its class. 

In 2010 alone, Zuccardi exported $40 million of wine, including 900,000 cases of Fuzion. Fuzion is  a sub-$8 Malbec-Syrah blend which became the top selling wine in Canada. 

I particularly like their  2016 Santa Julia Malbec, it is smooth, easy going and fruity red.

If the Uco Valley become wine destination in Argentino, a big credit goes to Alberto. The valley lies along the Tunuyán River, south of Mendoza city , it is now known world over  for its Malbec red wines. Provincial Route 89, is popularly known as the Wine Road, runs along the valley past vineyards and wineries.