Three years ago, I had the distinct pleasure to go to a wine luncheon at the then newly opened, Black Olive Inn hosted by the family Zuccardi of Argentina, their distributor, Wine Cellars, LTD, and the Spiliadis family, owners of the Black Olive & Black Olive Inn. It ws a spectacular introduction to a series of wines that I was, back then, most unfamiliar. Just this month, I revisited two of the Zuccardi family red wines: Series A Malbec 2012 and Zeta 2010 Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon Blend.
A little malbec history.
Malbec is the predominent grape in Argentina. This varietal originates from SouthWest France, where it is called Cot. It features a hard, tannic style. Due to its intense color and dark hues, wines obtained from this variety were once called “the black wines of Cahors.” As per the Embassy of Argentina, the climate is described as 'extreme' with average temperatures ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 11°C (51°F) in Buenos Aires (sea level) and Córdoba (420m/1270ft), and 24°C (75°F) to 8°C (46°F) in Mendoza (820 m/2484ft). Further in the south of the country, the weather is cooler, reaching freezing levels.
First off, the Argentinian based winery Zuccardi is a three generation business with grand-daughter Julia Zuccardi and her brother, Sebastian working along side of their father, Jose in Mendoza, Argentina. Their family business started in 1963. Their wines demonstrate the classical taste that takes place when a great mixture of soil, altitude and weather meet. (Photo:Wines of Argentina))
The name 'Serie A' stands for "Argentina Series". The wine is pure, 100% Malbec grape juice. The color is a deep purple intensity and showcases the multiple micro-climates and terroirs (soils) of its country. This wine highlights the richness and different microclimates and terroir (soil) of Argentinian Malbec from the Uco Valley. It was an incredible smoothness in my mouth and aromas of summer fruit like ripe plum and black currantsand ripe dark cherry and a mix of chocolate notes and smells of plum and black currants. (I chose to share the taste with M&M's...the closest chocolates I could find!)
Zeta and Serie A, is, perhaps, a play on from A to Z, no doubt and is a blend of 87% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is said that Father Jose and son, Sebastian blend their favorite old vines from the Uco Valley into one mix, thus melding their individuality in one blend. The Malbec hails from La Consulta vineyards and the Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Tupungato vineyard.
Upon smelling, there are huge red ripe fruit aromas like prunes and cherries with black pepper and tobacco. I could also add there were chocolate, cherry and a bit of spice. The fermentation of this wine took place initially in concrete vats and then was aged 12-24 months in oak barrels. This is a big wine, that carries a smoothness and lush taste as it makes its way around your palette.
Patti Neumann is Publisher/Founder of CITYPEEK.com and an award-winning columnist and blogger on food, wine & the good life.
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