It’s hard to drink big red wines in the heat, even if your perfectly seared steak cries out for it. This is the time to aim for freshness and structure in your reds, so you don’t end up passing out half-way through your first glass. This week’s wine, Zuccardi Q Malbec from Argentina, is just right to pair with that steak. While being juicy enough to refresh your palate, the structure of the tannins gives you that ‘big-red’ grip, and the fruit profile will have you coming back for more. Remember, reds should go into the fridge for 20 minutes before you open the bottle, especially if the room temperature is warm.
Tasting Notes: The 2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec is well-structured, with a balance of fresh acidity, a backbone of firm, ripe tannins, and fleshy, juicy blackberry fruit. Light oak spices, a graphite-minerality, and a long finish are the highlights of this wine and really display its terroir, making it a great example of ‘mountain-wine’.
Enjoy With: That perfectly seared steak or other grilled red meats, pizza, or smoked gouda cheese.
Style: A dry, medium-bodied, juicy red wine.
Terroir/Region: A result of the evolution of the Andes mountains, the Uco Valley is a high-altitude desert southwest of Mendoza, Argentina with incredibly varied soils and terroir, ideal for high quality grape-growing. With 10 sub-regions all bringing distinct characteristics to a wine, there is near limitless potential to what can be made here, and we are only at the beginning of that evolution. It’s going to be fun to watch!
Producer: Zuccardi has earned a global reputation for the quality of its wines and continues to push the boundaries of the region. Zuccardi has invested heavily in the area, building a state-of-the-art winery in the Uco Valley and extensively researching the soils and climate of the region. All of that knowledge and experience is poured into every bottle.
Availability: The 2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec will be available online and in the Vintages section of your local store on June 13, but some stores may already have it on shelf.
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $19.95
LCBO#: 723478
Size: 750mL
Alcohol Content: 14.5% alc./vol.
