Zuccardi
The Zuccardi family has lived in Argentina since the late 19th century, having originally emigrated from Italy. In the 1950s, the family founded an irrigation systems company. Without water from the nearby Andes, nothing would grow in Mendoza’s continental desert climate. In 1963, they purchased their first vineyard to demonstrate the effectiveness of their irrigation system. Their vineyard holdings have since grown to an impressive 600 hectares. The family began converting to organic cultivation in 1998, and around 300 hectares are now farmed organically. These vineyards have become important breeding and nesting habitats for numerous birds and insects. In the desert climate, organically cultivated land provides a genuine oasis for biodiversity.
The vines, particularly traditional Argentine varieties such as Malbec, Bonarda and Torrontés, come from the family's own breeding programme. The family continually works to adapt the vines even better to the extreme climate while also experimenting with new varieties. Zuccardi was the first to bring Argentine Zinfandel and Viognier wines to market.
Winemaking is carried out with exceptional care. The grapes are harvested by hand and transported to the winery in small crates to avoid damaging the fruit. In the state-of-the-art winery, low temperatures during fermentation and storage are a priority. The result is elegant, well-structured wines with a finesse that is particularly impressive for wines from the New World.
Familia Zuccardi also sets high standards in social responsibility. All employees have permanent contracts. Unlike the more common system of casual day labour, this allows families to rely on a stable income throughout the year. The winery provides excellent educational opportunities for adults and children alike, as well as decent housing. This commitment is reflected in a distinctive company culture, particularly noteworthy in a country facing considerable economic challenges.
