In the historic estates of Mendoza, particularly in the Valle de Uco, the rows of quince trees are more than mere decoration. They represent a legacy of centuries of family and rural viticulture, planted to demarcate plots, shield the vines from winds or animals, and maintain the aesthetic of the agricultural landscape. At Finca Los Membrillos, these quince trees not only serve their practical purpose; they lend their name to the estate and symbolize the history, tradition, and care that define this vineyard.
The Zuccardi family, the most influential in Argentine viticulture, has embraced this tradition as their philosophy. They do not seek "perfect" wines, but those that authentically express their place of origin. Finca Los Membrillos, a cabernet sauvignon vineyard with over twenty years of history in the locality of La Consulta, is a perfect example. When it joined the winery in 2008, it already exhibited a unique character: its furrow irrigation, carob wood posts, and, of course, the rows of quince trees surrounding the vineyard, silent witnesses to generations of winemakers.
Located at 1,065 metres above sea level, on the eastern edge of Paraje Altamira, the estate thrives on diverse, stony soils with a hint of limestone, which contribute structure and minerality to the cabernet. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, selecting only the clusters at their optimal point of ripeness. Following a gentle pressing, the must ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, preserving freshness and primary aromas. Finally, the wine ages for several months in French oak barrels, gaining complexity, depth, and elegance.
The result is Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos, a cabernet sauvignon that captures the essence of a unique vineyard, the spirit of the Zuccardi family, and the Argentine winemaking tradition.