Serie Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Zuccardi)

Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. Today a household name in Argentina and other Malbec-loving countries, Zuccardi winery actually began as a test vineyard for a new irrigation system. Engineer Alberto Zuccardi planted his first vineyard in 1963 to show off a system popular in California at the time. Despite having no training or expertise in winemaking, five years later Alberto built his own winery on the same plot. These days the estate is run żeby his son, José, and his grandson, Sebastian, who are passionate about expressing Argentina’s finest terroirs in their diverse range of wines. Their Zuccardi Q series celebrates the grape varieties that thrive in Mendoza, like this stunning Cabernet Sauvignon which begins life in two prime vineyards in the Uco Valley. Sitting at 1100-1300 metres above sea level, these vineyards offer ideal conditions for producing premium Cabernet thanks to the warm, sunny days and cooler nights which allow the grapes to ripen slowly. Great care is taken once the fruit reaches the winery, with the grapes macerated and fermented in stainless steel tanks for 25 days. The young wine is then transferred to French oak barrels for ageing, adding enchanting notes of spice, woodsmoke and cedar to the luscious dark fruit character from the Cabernet grape. This is a powerful red with ample tannins that’s ideal to pair with hearty dishes like barbecued ribs, rich meat stews, or a fine Argentinian steak.