Familia Zuccardi Concreto Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Winemaker and third-generation of the Zuccardi family, Sebastian, has tried to focus soil sourced tannins experienced on the tongue, rather than those on the gums which come from extraction methods in winemaking and the oak selection, hence the concrete. Made from 100% Malbec grown in the calcareous soils of Paraje Altamira, 1100m above sea level in the Uco Valley. The wine is made using whole bunch fermentation with indigenous yeasts before being store in concrete, hence the name Concreto.

FAMILIA ZUCCARDI Aluvional Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza

COSSE MAISON NEUVE Lafage, Cahors Rouge 100% Malbec. A nose of ink and coffee and a mouthful on the black fruits, velvety tannins, a formidable balance with a nice fresh tension. The fruit for the Lafage Cahors Rouge is sourced from a 5 ha vineyard with an average vine age of 30 years planted on soils of clay and gravel. The juice is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine then spends 14 months in barrels before being bottled without filtering.

COSSE MAISON NEUVE Les Laquets, Cahors Rouge 100% Malbec. A nose marked by black fruits and a mouth on blackberry, blueberry and black cherry. A silky material with a remarkable tannin. The fruit for the Les Laquets is sourced from a 5.5 ha vineyard with an average vine age of 60 years planted on soils of red clay and cracked limestone. The juice is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with several piegages. The wine then spends up to two years in barrels before being bottled without filtering.

Zuccardi have been at the forefront of quality winemaking in Argentina for decades and the Q range showcases this dedication to quality. Attention to detail during vinification and maturation in French oak has created a masterpiece Malbec which can be enjoyed now or cellared for many years.

Malbec is renowned for its value in blends but not often found as a varietal. This fine example from Bleasdale is considered a benchmark for the style. Soft, smooth, toasty oak with great depth of complexity.

In the glass: Deep, dense purple.On the nose: Cassis, mulberry and black plum with a touch of bay leaf and vanillin oak. On the palate: Showcases the Malbec grape with powerful black fruits, bay and herb touches, powerful tannin frame and savoury oak in the background. A lovely example that is really concentrated yet medium weight and generous.

Opening with dense blackberry/boysenberry fruit and a black olive savouriness the aromas then shift to reveal lifted qualities of purple florals and fragrant sweet spice. The palate shows a lovely weight and concentration of fruit, balanced by a charming elegance and finesse. Not at all shy on tannins (integrated and ripe).

Very dark colour, complex nose of blackberry/mulberry and plums with a touch of oak spice, palate is rich and full flavoured with blackberry/dark plum fruit softly textured and layered structure with integrated vanillin oak and fine tannins on the finish. An iron fist in a velvet glove style which is well suited to quality grilled beef such as rib eye.

This premium Malbec with lifted blackberry aromas is vibrant with dark red berry fruits and subtle oak notes. Elegant tannins complete a long finish.