{"id":21429,"date":"2026-09-25T23:37:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-26T06:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pickydiners.com\/www\/?p=21429"},"modified":"2026-10-08T00:00:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T07:00:21","slug":"an-afternoon-with-jose-zuccardi-high-altitude-argentine-wines-and-inspired-pairings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pickydiners.com\/www\/an-afternoon-with-jose-zuccardi-high-altitude-argentine-wines-and-inspired-pairings\/","title":{"rendered":"An Afternoon with Jos\u00e9 Zuccardi: High-Altitude Argentine Wines and Inspired Pairings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When I was invited to this event, wanting to learn more about Wines from Mendoza, Argentina, I knew the afternoon would be educational. I didn’t expect a complete revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Riley\u2019s Fish & Steak<\/a> is the kind of Michelin-recommended room that understands the profound impact of a thoughtful first impression, a truth telegraphed immediately by the decadent lobster oil served alongside the warm bread basket. It provided a fittingly polished stage for the Mark Anthony Group<\/a> to orchestrate an intimate afternoon with Jos\u00e9 Zuccardi<\/strong>, the director of Familia Zuccardi <\/a>and a true titan of the Uco Valley. Zuccardi has fundamentally reshaped the global perception of Mendoza, championing extreme, terroir-driven winemaking that leaves the heavy-handed oak of the past far behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great pairing requires a seamless conversation between the glass and the plate. The Jumbo Prawn Cocktail <\/em><\/strong>arrived as a pristine expression of a steakhouse classic, its delicate, chilled sweetness marrying effortlessly with the bright, welcoming pour of the Zuccardi El Camino de las Flores 2024<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having my eyes opened at this wine pairing lunch at Riley’s, I was able to experience the sheer brilliance of his Malbecs firsthand. The Zuccardi Concreto 2023<\/em><\/strong> remains an absolute standout. Fermented in concrete amphorae and aged for 11 months in uncoated concrete tanks with zero oak influence, it is a masterclass in texture. This unmasked, natural expression of the fruit captures the raw identity of the vineyard, making it an exceptionally nimble and exciting wine to pair with food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The crescendo of the afternoon, however, belonged to two legendary pours: the Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2022<\/em><\/strong> and the Supercal 2022<\/em><\/strong>. Often commanding flawless 100-point scores, these single-parcel (lieu-dit) 100% Malbecs are masterfully crafted by winemaker Sebasti\u00e1n Zuccardi <\/strong>from the iconic Finca Piedra Infinita estate in Paraje Altamira. Though both are extreme expressions of high-altitude limestone and stony soils, their distinct micro-plots yield completely unique flavor profiles. They demand a serious plate, which Riley\u2019s delivered with a perfectly cooked 7-oz Prime Beef Striploin<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The primal char and rich, beefy depth of the prime striploin completely unlocked the profound, stony minerality of the extreme-altitude Malbecs – a pairing of pure, unadulterated terroir.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When an agency like the Mark Anthony Group bridges the gap between visionary winemaking families and Michelin-caliber kitchens, you don’t just get a lunch; you get a lasting education in modern gastronomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reception Wine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n