Vintage: 2020

Wine Name/Vineyard: Zuccardi

Wine Category: Malbec

Grape blend: 100% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml 

Region: Valle de Uco

State or country: Argentina

Price: $35

ABV: 14% 

Cases produced: N/A 

The Barrel Cellar Score:  91 points 

Review date: May 31, 2022

About the Winemaker: I’ve enjoyed countless bottles of wine over the years, but Zuccardi’s Concreto wine is a first for me.  It’s a Malbec aged in concrete “eggs” rather than oak barrels.  It turned out to be as unique in its taste as it is in the method it was made.  

Color:  Deep Purple

Nose:  Creamy notes with bright aromas of “Grape” fruit chews and fresh herbs.

Taste:  Stone fruit, mineral notes, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and cinnamon.  Short lived finish of chocolate covered cherries and freshly ground cinnamon dust.

Assessment:  My first thoughts upon taking my first sip from the glass were that the wine is a great mix of fruity and tannic character notes, without the spiciness of an oaked Malbec.  It maybe my mind playing tricks on me, but I couldn’t shake hints of concrete dust that conjured images of cool, freshly set concrete.  It might sound odd, but it adds a nice complexity, and brings, in fact a welcome dimension – I don’t even miss the expected spiciness.

There is some real depth to this wine.  My favorite part is the plentiful mid-palate notes of both milk and dark chocolate.  There is a beautiful tannic dryness that compliments the juice and isn’t nearly as aggressive as that of an oaked Malbec.

This wine offers a unique experience at an approachable price.  The Barrel Cellar gives Concreto 2020 by Zuccardi 91points.

Pairing recommendation:  Mild goat cheese, Ravioli with Vodka sauce, cannoli with a chocolate drizzle.