Santa Julia 2023 "El Burro" Malbec

The Wine

With enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and plums accented by vanilla and spice, this is a full-bodied wine with a velvety texture and a ever-so-slight effervescence. Well-integrated tannins on the palate, where you'll find rich flavors of dark fruits and chocolate accompanied by a touch of oak and a long, satisfying finish.

Label Art - The winemaker's (Julia's) nephew has doesn't speak but communicates through his drawings. He creates the labels based on inspiration provided by the various animals on the property.

Food Pairings

• Grilled Steak with Peppercorn Sauce: The wine's dark fruit flavors and tannic structure perfectly complement the savory richness of steak.
• Roasted Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic: The herbal notes of rosemary and the savory depth of garlic enhance the wine's complexity.
• Mushroom Risotto: The earthiness of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the wine's dark fruit and chocolate undertones.
• Dark Chocolate Desserts: For a decadent treat, enjoy this Malbec with desserts that feature dark chocolate.
• Hard Cheeses: Aged cheddar or gouda will bring out the wine's nuanced flavors and velvety texture.

The Vines

The Andes that form the North-South spine between Argentina and Chile is also the home of some of the world's great vineyards. This wine is a prime example, grown in high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley of Mendoza where its vines benefit from strong daytime sunlight and cool evenings. These conditions allow for an extended ripening period and leads to exceptional flavor development without excessive alcohol.

The grapes that went into this bottle were hand-harvested and then sorted to ensure only the best quality fruit was used - a rare expense for a wine at this price point. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures that preserved the more delicate aromas and flavors. Before bottling, a portion of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, enhancing its complexity and texture.

Santa Julia is committed to sustainable and organic practices throughout its production process, reflecting the vineyard's dedication to environmental stewardship.

The Winery

Santa Julia is part of the larger Zuccardi family winery, whose deep roots in the Argentine wine industry date back to the 1960s. Founded by José Zuccardi, the winery began with a strong commitment to quality and innovation, values that he passed on to subsequent generations. Today, José's son, Sebastián Zuccardi, leads the winery with a dedicated team focused on sustainable practices and exceptional winemaking. These values have made Zuccardi a regular name on a number of the lists for the "Top 100 Wines of the World".

Over the years, Santa Julia has gained recognition for its dedication to both tradition and modern techniques, allowing them to adapt to the evolving wine market while staying true to their heritage. Known for their family-oriented approach, the winery values the knowledge passed down through generations and fosters a sense of community among their employees and local growers. This commitment to people, the environment, and quality has solidified Santa Julia’s position as a respected name in the world of Argentine wines.