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Familia Zuccardi, bike tour and lunch at la Casa Del Visitatante.

I am so excited to be able to share with you my second visit at Zuccardi,

It was another fantastic day, at my favorite winery, I should not said winery I should of said place, hard to express how I feel when I am at Zuccardi, the warm welcoming, the smell, the gardens, the olive trees, it is a excitement for all the senses, the wine, the olive oil, the food and most important the people. if you come to Mendoza Zuccardi is a must, don’t miss it.

My suggestion is to do a Zuccardi day or two, so many different options to choose from, follow this link "Casa Del Visitante" to get more info.

This time I did the bike tour and lunch at la Casa Del Visitante, my first visit was last May you can read about it following this link  “Familia Zuccardi Winery Mendoza”.

I had an amazing experience once again, we arrived early around 10:15 and meet with our guide Nicolas, he welcomed us with a glass of sparkling, and went to prepare our bikes.

 

 Warm Welcoming

  Wine discussion between Nicolas & my friend Arnold 

It was like a dream biking from the gardens of Casa Del Visitante to the vineyards of Finca Beltrán, tasting and learning the characteristics of each amazing wine, Nicolas was fantastic, as a sommelier he is extremely knowledgeable, and answered all our questions, and took the time to tell us not only the wine characteristics but a lot of anecdotes about the vineyards and the family a beautiful story that started in 1963.   

 The vineyard friendly dog Sirah, Nicolas and Arnold, As you can see on the photo the vines are very tall, and old, exactly what is needed for great vintage.  

 Zuccardi Torrontes Serie A 2014 , Zuccardi Malbec Rose Serie A 2014

 During our bike ride we tasted,  Zuccardi Torrontes Serie A 2014 "Intense yellow with silver sparkles. Nose: intense and delicate, full of white and citrus fruits, orange peel, and oregano. Palate: well structured wine, good fat, with a vibrant acidity. Intensely aromatic, with a long, delicate finish", 

Zuccardi Malbec Rose Serie A 2014 "  Malbec with maroon pink tones, with aromas of ripe strawberries, cherries and sour cherries. Orange peel flavors and ripe cherries. In the mouth, rich texture, fresh and rounded unfolds. Elegant style with a lovely finish".

 Our bikes

Textual Caladoc 2013, Zuccardi Q Malbec 2013 

 Back on the bike to the red corner to enjoy Textual Caladoc 2013 "It was the first wine of this line. It is a variety developed in France by the genetic crossing of Grenache and Malbec. Unique, characterized by its innovative nature, maintains some characteristics of the two strains that comprise but a unique profile. Good entry, medium bodied with good development. Long and fruity finish". 

We finish with Zuccardi Q Malbec 2013 "The range name Zuccardi Q stems from the practice of marking with a "Q" -from Quality- the oldest and uniforms plots of each vineyard, which worked with special attention to achieve grapes of exceptional quality batches. Today, the grapes wich is produced Zuccardi Q, come from recognized micro-regions in the Uco Valley and selected old vineyards. The Malbec is deep purple color with bluish reflections. Intense aromas of red and black fruit and cassis, raisins, dried figs and blueberry jam. The aging in French oak brings notes of snuff and chocolate. Soft and silky entrance, large structure with sweet and firm tannins. Long finish. 

Nothing better than a day at Familia Zuccardi

After the bike tour in our way to the restaurant, we had the opportunity to speak with Torey Novak, Torey is an expert in olive oil and a real passionate too. I had the chance to taste one of the finest name Bravo, Bravo is done with my favorite olive Arauco. I couldn’t resist I had to buy a bottle, that I will be sharing with my husband Marc that wasn't able to join us today.  I love olive oil as much as wine,  not being able to get fresh Mendoza olive oil, is one of the thing I will miss the most when we will be back to Canada. If you are like me and love olive oil, you can do 2 different tours, “Let’s harvest olive oil” from April first to the end of May, “I may have to stay in Mendoza till April, I will love to do this one before going back north!” or you can also do the “Olive oil tasting class” that one is on my list to do too.

Lunch a la Casa Del Visitatante. 

The restaurant opened its doors in 2004 and has developed an international reputation for its delicious Argentine menu. Located in the property Familia Zuccardi owns in Maipú, Mendoza, Casa del Visitante is a five star restaurant with capacity for 80 people.

It is a carefully designed building where regional and natural materials dominate, creating a warm environment. From all tables people can enjoy the vineyard and mountain views.

Head chef Matias Aldasoro offers two menu options: A traditional menu features key Argentine fare such as empanadas, a barbecue selection, salads, and grilled vegetables. The tasting menu is a gourmet option with emphasis of presenting regional and seasonal products.

Starting with with my favorite olive oil "Bravo" and bread, followed by empanada, fresh tomatoes, salad, Asado beef, lamb, sausage, veggies, dessert and coffee, all of it paired with the best bottles. 

Olive Oil and Bread

 Zuccardi Serie A Chardonnay - Viogner 2014, A fresh, juicy cut with a greenish yellow color. Presence of an intense aroma of fresh fruit such as pineapple, white peach, apricot and some citrus notes.

Empenada

 Fresh Tomatoes in Olive Oil and fresh herbs

Fresh Salad

Grilled Veggies

 

 Zuccardi Serie A Sirah 2013, Fresh aromas of strawberry, violet and black fruits. A fine structure and volume on the palate with spicy notes and ripe fruits.

 I started with pork and sausage, it was delicious!!!

Zuccardi Serie A Bonarda 2014, Elegant nose with notes of ripe fruits like strawberries, sweet black cherries and blackberries. One spicy, own note of aging in oak stands. Friendly entry, juicy, with soft tannins, good volume and a long finish.

I had to get more meat, beef and lamb, too good couldn't resist!

 Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2014, Intense red ripe fruit aromas such as prunes and cherries with black pepper and tobacco. Can also detect chocolate, cherry liqueur and spicy notes. Soft and velvety entry, firm tannins with lovely juicy finish.

 Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Intense purple. Intensely aromatic with notes of ripe red and black fruits such as blueberries and cassis. The barrel aging adds a spicy intense and very complex. Mouth with very good body, firm ripe tannins. Long finish

Santa Julia Tardio 2014, Fresh aromas, creamy texture and an excellent balance between sweetness and acidity characterized to this wine, the first of its kind in Argentina.

 Helado and fresh fruit for dessert

Malamado Soleria, done with Torrontes, the first fortified in Argentina, raised in casks exposed to the sun. A unique wine of its kind, limited departure, only 2,500 bottles. Finished in  French oak barrel which were previously used for the manufacture of Zuccardi Q Chardonnay. These barrels were kept for 40 months in direct sunlight. This was amazing!

 A great finish Coffee and Soleria

Argentine style cuisine "ASADO"

I cannot wait to be back to Zuccardi, a real passion!

A special thanks to Julia Zuccardi for a fabulous experience,

Thank you Julia,

Diane:)))

Note: Reference from Familia Zuccardi Website

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