Zuccardi Poligonos Semillon

Tasting Notes Zuccardi Poligonos Semillon

A refined and distinctive Sémillon from Tupungato, sourced from the high-altitude vineyards of El Peral in the Uco Valley. The aroma reveals citrus, white peach, ripe melon, and dried herbs, complemented by subtle floral notes and a light mineral impression.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and creamy, yet remarkably fresh. Vibrant acidity adds tension to the ripe fruit, while notes of lemon, nectarine, and white peach create a juicy character. These are joined by subtle spicy and slightly earthy nuances. The texture is beautifully rounded, without becoming heavy.

Wine & Food

Due to its combination of freshness, creaminess, and minerality, Zuccardi Poligonos Semillon is a true table wine. It pairs excellently with grilled fish, salmon, scallops, shrimp, and other seafood. Also great with chicken, veal, dishes with creamy sauces, goat cheese, and roasted vegetables. The fresh acidity can also stand up well to richer dishes.

Additional Information

The name Polígonos refers to the philosophy behind this series. Zuccardi aims to showcase not just the grape with these wines, but especially the identity of a specific place. The different vineyards are, as it were, individual "polygons" on the map of the Uco Valley, each with its own climate, soil, and history.

The grapes come from El Peral, a relatively cool area within Tupungato. The vineyards are located between approximately 1,150 and 1,200 meters above sea level and are influenced by cold nights. The soil consists of deposits from the Las Tunas River, with various layers of gravel and local limestone.

The grapes are pressed directly and fermented with natural yeasts. Fermentation and aging take place in 500-liter French oak barrels without toast. Furthermore, the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation. This gives it texture and complexity, while preserving the natural freshness of Sémillon.

This fits well with the philosophy of the Polígonos series: the wines should primarily show where they come from. Zuccardi therefore does not try to add as much wood or ripe fruit to the wine as possible, but rather to highlight the differences between the terroirs of the Uco Valley.

At the end of the 19th century, the Zuccardi family emigrated from Italy to Argentina. In the 1950s, Alberto V. Zuccardi founded an irrigation company, a logical step in a country where agriculture is barely possible without irrigation. To demonstrate the success of his system, he planted his first vineyards in Maipú in 1963, followed by an expansion near Mendoza.

Since 1985, his son José Alberto Zuccardi has led the family business, which is now praised worldwide for its quality. Zuccardi has been repeatedly named Best Vineyard in South America, and their wines consistently achieve top ratings, with some even reaching 100 Parker points.

Awards/Distinctions

• 2022 – 95 points, Tim Atkin + Best Sémillon Wine of the Year
• 2022 – 93+ points, Robert Parker / Wine Advocate
• 2022 – 93 points, Vinous
• 2021 – 94 points, James Suckling
• 2023 – 95 points, James Suckling
• 2023 – 92 points, Wine Enthusiast
• 2023 – 92 points, Falstaff

Fun Fact

Sémillon is a somewhat forgotten grape in Argentina. Yet Zuccardi has made one of its most interesting terroir wines from it. This Sémillon also comes from old vines in El Peral, at an altitude of about 1,200 meters.