2021 Aluvional Paraje Altamira Malbec
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Tasting notes
From vineyards at 1,050–1,150 m in Paraje Altamira. 80% whole bunch. TA 5.89 g/l, pH 3.65. Spice-forward aromas of pepper, juniper, blackberry and graphite. Firm tannins and a backbone of bracing acidity. This has plenty of potential but is a bit angular now. (JRL)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full bottle a shocking 1,732 g. Grown at 1,100 m on the highest section of the alluvial fan of the Tunuyam River on large granite rocks covered with a thin layer of limestone. Spontaneous fermentation and aged in concrete. Shaded purplish crimson, slightly less intense colour than the Gualtallary version. Peppery, spicy nose with ripe, alluring fruit. Ready to enjoy already although clearly this has a way to go, too. Sappy with lots of energy. (JR)
The 2021 Aluvional Paraje Altamira opens with the Altamira's textbook aromatic profile of fresh purple flowers set against an elegantly sparse backdrop of blue and black fruits. On the palate, it is svelte, seamless and buoyant, transitioning to a slow-moving, layered and refined finish that delivers weightless intensity, persistent stoniness and ultra-refined tannins. Within the Aluvional range, I found this the most understated and perfumed, contrasting the richer, more textural San Pablo bottling and the wild, exotic Gualtallary iteration.
The 2021 Malbec Aluvional Paraje Altamira, from a cold vintage, spent a year in concrete vats before bottling, capturing the essence of both the year and its terroir with precision. Fermented with 100% whole clusters, this purple-hued wine features lavender, violet and blueberry aromas, a light hint of bitter orange and a deep herbal layer. Dry and juicy on the palate, it is intense with a fine chalky texture and a polished finish. A delicious expression of Paraje Altamira's Malbec.
About the producer
Based in the Uco Valley, Zuccardi is one of Argentina’s leading producers. Family owned and run – today by third-generation Sebastián Zuccardi – the property crafts pure-fruited wines that speak of their mountainous Mendoza terroir.