READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Zuccardi: Even for the same label, grapes and methods change
A producer making Malbec and other varieties in Mendoza's Uco Valley. For wines like Concreto, made in concrete vessels, the grape origin and use of whole clusters vary by vintage. Here, we compare technical documents from 2014 and 2022.
Using technical documents from 2014 and 2022, we will identify changes in the origin of Malbec and the handling of whole bunches.
Questions for this course
Can one vintage’s technical sheet describe how Concreto is made in every year?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
To applied practice using the material ↓
To explanation task notes ↓Zuccardi / Learn from the Producer
Argentina / Mendoza / Uco Valley
Alternate names & notations: Zuccardi
Updated: 2026-10-06
Vineyards in Altamira in 2014
The 2014 wine is Malbec from Finca Piedra Infinita in Paraje Altamira, at 1100m. Some of the fruit is fermented as whole clusters. Fermentation, malolactic fermentation and maturation take place in concrete vessels without an internal epoxy lining.
Two sites in 2022
In 2022 as well, it is 100% Malbec, but the grapes come from Paraje Altamira (1100m) and Gualtallary (1360m). It is noted that the entire volume is whole cluster, not just a portion. Even if the wine keeps the same name, the grape source and winemaking process can change.
Distinguish what remains unchanged from what changes.
Both vintages use Malbec and concrete vessels. The grape sources and proportion of whole clusters differ, however. Any description of how Concreto is made needs to specify the vintage it refers to.
What to align and what to compare.
Regions
- Conditions to standardize
- Concreto Malbec
- Conditions for comparison.
- Single-site and two-site raw materials
- Additional points to confirm
- Vineyards for each applicable vintage.
Whole bunch
- Conditions to standardize
- Concrete vinification
- Conditions for comparison.
- A portion in 2014, all volumes in 2022
- Additional points to confirm
- Do not apply specifications from a different year
Comparisons
- Conditions to standardize
- The same label
- Conditions for comparison.
- Vintage year, vineyard, whole cluster
- Additional points to confirm
- What stayed the same and what changed?
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
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READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Zuccardi document analysis: Even for the same label, grapes and methods change
Check and compare the region, raw materials, and process from the materials, and explain what can be learned from the comparison.
Comparative tables are based on the source’s target year and the explanation at the time of verification. Descriptions without year specifications are not treated as specifications common to all harvest years or shipped portions.
| Comparison items | 2014 | Year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Location | Paraje Altamira | Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary |
| Whole bunch | Portion | The entire volume |
| Common conditions | Malbec, concrete vessel | Malbec, concrete vessel |
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Read the explanation for each question
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What are the 2022 raw materials?
In 2022 as well, it is 100% Malbec, but the grapes come from Paraje Altamira (1100m) and Gualtallary (1360m). It is noted that the entire volume is whole cluster, not just a portion. Even if the wine keeps the same name, the grape source and winemaking process can change.
How do whole bunches differ?
Both vintages use Malbec and concrete vessels. The grape sources and proportion of whole clusters differ, however. Any description of how Concreto is made needs to specify the vintage it refers to.
What is common to both years?
Both vintages use Malbec and concrete vessels. The grape sources and proportion of whole clusters differ, however. Any description of how Concreto is made needs to specify the vintage it refers to.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Check and compare the region, raw materials, and process from the materials, and explain what can be learned from the comparison.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | 2014 | Year 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient Location | Paraje Altamira | Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary |
| Whole bunch | Portion | The entire volume |
| Common conditions | Malbec, concrete vessel | Malbec, concrete vessel |
Sources of materials used for comparison are listed in the text and exercises.
Explain in your own words
Give two similarities and two differences between the two vintages of Concreto.
Check after writing
- Read the source of grapes for each vintage.
- Record parts and total quantities without omission.
- Explain change and continuity separately.
Save response to explanation task
Compare your initial thoughts with how they have changed after reading the article.
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