Zuccardi Aluvional Paraje Altamira Malbec is a distinctive expression of one of Mendoza's most celebrated vineyard areas. Fresh cherry, raspberry and ripe plum flavours combine with delicate floral and herbal notes, while lively acidity brings energy and precision. An initially silky texture develops into fine, chalky tannins, creating a beautifully structured wine with a long, savoury finish.
From high-altitude vineyards with limestone-influenced alluvial soils, this acclaimed Malbec captures the individual character of Paraje Altamira. Its carefully restrained winemaking places freshness, texture and vineyard identity ahead of overt oak flavours, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking elegance, complexity and a genuine sense of place.
Merchant Tip: Paraje Altamira is an interesting choice if you want to explore Malbec beyond the familiar rich, black-fruited style. Its appeal lies in the combination of expressive red fruit, a silky initial texture and a more distinctive, chalky tannin structure. For someone curious about how different parts of Mendoza influence the character of Malbec, it offers a fascinating opportunity to discover what makes Altamira special.
Nose: Expressive aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry and ripe plum, accompanied by delicate floral notes, fresh herbs and subtle hints of crushed stone.
Palate: Fresh and elegantly textured, with vibrant red-fruit flavours, lively acidity and an initially silky mouthfeel. Fine, chalky tannins gradually emerge, adding structure and a distinctive mineral impression without overwhelming the fruit.
Finish: Long, fresh and savoury, with lingering red fruit, gentle herbal notes and a subtle saline character supported by persistent, finely textured tannins.
Zuccardi's Aluvional range explores the individual identities of distinctive locations within Mendoza's Uco Valley. The wines take their name from the alluvial soils formed over thousands of years as rivers and streams carried rocks and sediment down from the Andes. Although these areas share a geological history, their differences in altitude, climate and soil composition help produce recognisably different expressions of Malbec.
Paraje Altamira lies in the southern Uco Valley, at approximately 1,100 metres above sea level. Its vineyards contain alluvial soils with layers of fine material over gravel and stones, many coated with calcium carbonate. These limestone-influenced soils are central to Zuccardi's understanding of the area's character, particularly the freshness and distinctive chalky texture of its wines.
The growing season was unusually cool, with wetter conditions and lower yields contributing to wines noted for their freshness and structure. Careful vineyard management and harvesting allowed the grapes to achieve flavour ripeness while retaining the acidity that gives this wine its energy and balance.
Fermentation takes place in concrete vessels using indigenous yeasts, followed by maturation in a combination of concrete and oak barrels. The wine is bottled without filtration. This approach is intended to preserve the fruit, freshness and distinctive texture of Paraje Altamira rather than allowing oak flavours to dominate.
The result is a Malbec whose character comes from more than fruit concentration. Its combination of red-fruit expression, lively acidity, silky texture and chalky tannins provides a particularly compelling example of how vineyard origin can influence the experience of a wine.
Aluvional Paraje Altamira is particularly appealing with dishes that complement its freshness, savoury complexity and finely structured tannins. Try it with roast lamb, grilled beef, venison or duck breast, especially when accompanied by aromatic herbs.
Its red-fruit character and lively acidity also work well with mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables and dishes featuring thyme, rosemary or earthy flavours. The wine has sufficient structure for substantial meals without relying on sheer weight or powerful oak flavours.
Serve at approximately 16–18°C. Given its maturity, open the bottle carefully and allow the wine to develop in the glass. Decant gently if sediment is present, avoiding unnecessarily prolonged exposure to air.
Discover other expressions of Argentina's celebrated red grape in our Argentine Malbec wine collection.
For a wider choice of Malbec styles and countries, explore our Malbec wine collection.
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