ZUCCARDI
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
WHY BUY: The 2016 Finca Piedra Infinita quickly sold out, but wait, there’s more (as the old commercials used to say): a stunning 99-pointer, three 98-pointers, and a 97-pointer for only $85.97, all with the marvelous soft suppleness and terroir specificity and character that we’ve come to know and love from the great Zuccardi. It’s no wonder why Wine Enthusiast named them New World Winery of the Year, and The World's Best Vineyards selected them Best Vineyard in the World three years running, and why we always tell our friends: fanatical exactitude + extraordinary high-altitude terroir = wines that redefine what Argentine Malbec can be.
OUR TASTING NOTES: The 2019 vintage of Finca Piedra Infinita plays hard to get, a kind of moody brooder to start, before revealing its hand with tannins so silky you’re put in mind of expensive, velvety fabric. What unites these wines is the remarkable chalky backbone that Zuccardi gives them, which results in structure without weight, presence without bulk. The Supercal and Gravascal are studies in contrasts — the former, all mineral precision; the latter, with a marvelously gravelly texture that makes your mouth water in anticipation. And the Aluvional — if you were to brown bag it, you might swear you were drinking an earthy, elegant Burgundy. These are wines of seriousness, but also deep thoughtfulness and delicate detail. Sip by sip, they only get more interesting.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: James Suckling was no less moved by the 2019 vintage of Finca Piedra Infinita: "brooding and deep,” he wrote, with "satin-textured tannins on the palate, which are tense, chalky and seamless. Powerful and juicy with impeccable balance. A great, cerebral and intrinsic Malbec from Argentina... A real charmer, especially for the wine nerds.” Reviewing the 2020 Supercal, Suckling awarded 98 points, calling it “beautiful” and "full-bodied on the palate" with "plenty of powerful, fine tannins. Mineral and super fine-grained.”
THE STORY: Zuccardi Valle de Uco earned a perfect 100 from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate for their 2016 Finca Piedra Infinita, but since then the estate has pulled off what might be an even harder feat: flirting with that same near-impossible level of impeccability year after year. Its deep sensitivity to the particularities and subtleties of terroir — this is what makes the wines of Sebastián Zuccardi so distinctive, and so special. And what undoubtedly moved Wine Enthusiast to name Zuccardi Valle de Uco the New World Winery of the Year. Finca Piedra, which sits almost perilously high in the hills of Mendoza, is the most desirable of all of Zuccardi's lands, a single-vineyard site with eight different plots, each revealing grapes of a slightly different character. Blending for these wines is thus more nuanced art than practical craft. In 2022, Zuccardi became the only winery in Argentina with three wines awarded 100 points by Robert Parker, putting the Paraje Altamira region on the map as one of the world’s most exceptional terroirs. The genius lies in Sebastián's approach: he builds his blends with grapes from as many as 40 different micro-plots within the vineyard.
FUN FACT: Most wine lovers might not know it, but wine in South America is not a recent thing — not even close. The continent has been producing wine for more than 500 years.
WHAT TO PAIR THEM WITH:The limestone minerality makes these a natural partner for any number of rich, savory dishes, like a wood-grilled ribeye with chimichurri, or a pan-seared duck breast, or a lusty bowl of Bolognese with Parmigiano-Reggiano. But honestly, given their cerebral nature and structure, they're just as magnificent solo, with nothing more than good company and the kind of conversation that stretches late into the evening.
OUR GUARANTEE:As always, we buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured: your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure these extraordinary bottles today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2025. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Thursday, June 19th, 2025.