Zuccardi
The Zuccardi family has lived in Argentina since the late 19th century; their ancestors 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, the first vineyard was purchased to demonstrate the system's effectiveness. The vineyard area has since grown to an impressive 600 ha. The family has been working on conversion to organic farming since 1998; around 300 ha are now organically cultivated. These vineyards have become a very special breeding and nesting habitat for numerous birds and insects. Particularly in a desert climate, organically managed areas are true oases of biodiversity.
The vines, especially classic Argentine varieties such as Malbec, Bonarda and Torrontés, come from the family's own nursery, where work is constantly being done to adapt the vines even better to the very extreme climate, alongside experiments with new varieties. The Zuccardi family thus brought Argentina's first Zinfandel and first Viognier to market.
Winemaking is carried out with the utmost care: the grapes are harvested by hand and brought to the cellar in small crates to prevent damage. In the state-of-the-art winery, great importance is placed on low temperatures during fermentation and storage. The result: fine wines with elegance and structure, and finesse that is a pleasant surprise in overseas wines.
Familia Zuccardi also sets standards in social matters. All workers have permanent employment. In contrast to the otherwise common day-labour system, families can plan around a fixed income throughout the year. Exemplary educational opportunities are offered to adults and children alike, dignified housing is taken for granted here, and throughout the business there is a spirit rarely found in this economically troubled country.
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