Zorzal – Gran Terroir, Gualtallary, Malbec – 2024

Description

PRODUCER:
Zorzal is an Argentinian boutique winery which has been dedicated to the production of high quality wines since 2008 and is located at the highest point of the Uco Valley. Hailed as one of the most exclusive and well-regarded areas for viticulture in Argentina, the terroir is revealed in the Zorzal wines through a respectful, non invasive winemaking process that puts austerity before exuberance and fruit before wood. The wines have rapidly gained international recognition. Founded by the Michelini brothers, who are outstanding in their passionate leadership in the vineyards and winery, this highly regarded winemaking duo have become renowned as the trendsetters of the Argentinian winemaking scene.

VINEYARD:
The ‘Parcelario’ collection of wines capture the essence of the terroir with precision and respect. They are made from single parcels, which reflect the place, landscape, and the unique character of each vintage. A true expression of the land and time. The grapes are grown in a high-altitude parcel in Gualtallary, in the outstanding vine-growing area of the Uco Valley. Located at 1,350 metres above sea-level, Gualtallary is the highest vinegrowing zone in the Province of Mendoza, situated at the foot of the Tupungato Volcano. This site is characterised by its combination of altitude, a high content of calcium carbonate in the soil, sunny days and low rainfall. The diurnal temperature ranges here oscillate between 35°C and 17°C, creating long, slow ripening periods, encouraging excellent polyphenolic maturity in the grapes, while retaining refreshing balance. The vines are trained on trellises which provides good homogeneity, and the grapes are handharvested in boxes of 16kg.

WINEMAKING:
The Malbec grapes underwent spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts at an average temperature of 25° C. Skin-maceration followed, lasting 25 days to extract colour, flavour and structure. The wine was aged for 12 months, with 70% in concrete eggs and 30% in neutral 500-litre French oak barrels.

VINTAGE:
The 2023 vintage was one of extreme weather conditions, however despite the challenges, some excellent wines were made. The winter was dry, followed by a cool spring. During budburst, devastating spring frosts attacked nascent buds in many vineyards, reducing yields. A long, hot summer followed, however, the vineyards at altitude benefited from the cooler nights, which helped to retain natural acidity. The wines show excellent concentration and texture.

TASTING NOTE:
A distinctive Malbec with mineral notes and dark fruit overlaid with nuances of mountain herbs and chalky tones. Fluid, fine and elegant with nerve and great length.

GRAPES:
Malbec 100%.