Zorzal

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Country of Origin: Argentina
Location: Gualtallary, Tupungato
People: Juan Pablo Michelini, Winemaker | Noelia Juri, Oenologist
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Zorzal 2022 'Gran Terroir' Chardonnay, Gualtallary Login DCH 93 In Stock
Zorzal 2022 'Terroir Unico' Rose, Gualtallary Login AG 90 In Stock
Zorzal 2023 'Terroir Unico' Cabernet Franc, Gualtallary Login DCH 90 In Stock
Zorzal 2022 'Gran Terroir' Malbec, Tupungato (Gualtallary) Login DCH 94 In Stock
Zorzal 2019 'Gran Terroir' Pinot Noir, Tupungato (Gualtallary) Login WA 91 In Stock
Zorzal 2023 'Terroir Unico' Pinot Noir, Tupungato Login DCH 92 In Stock

Zorzal was established in 2007 by the Michelini brothers (Gerardo, Matias, and Juan Pablo) along with a group of Canadian investors. Today, it is led by Head Winemaker Juan Pablo Michelini and Assistant Winemaker Noelia Juri.

Located in the Gualtallary subregion of the Uco Valley, the winery sits at around 4,800 feet above sea level. The estate spans 70 hectares, featuring a unique mix of sand, stones, and granitic limestone at the base of the Andes Mountains. The vineyards are home to a diverse range of grape varieties, including Malbec, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, among others.

Juan Pablo Michelini focuses on crafting elegant wines that highlight the minerality and cool climate of Gualtallary. The winery employs a blend of organic and sustainable farming practices and typically harvests earlier than most in Mendoza to preserve freshness and acidity, avoiding the overripe character often found in the region. All grapes are harvested by hand, adhering to a philosophy of minimal intervention—or a "light hand"—in the winemaking process, allowing the true expression of the fruit and terroir to shine.

Zorzal is already recognized as a rising star in Argentina, known for their focused wines and impressive expression of multiple varieties beyond their standout Malbecs.

Media Links
Quench Magazine: Argentina's Canadian Connection
Amanda Barnes Blog: 10 Argentine Winemaker's to Watch (Matias & Juan Pablo both mentioned)
Dining Out: Zorzal Wines

Reviews

  • Zorzal 2022 'Terroir Unico' Rose, Gualtallary
    Vinous
    Rating: 90 (8/10/2022)
    The 2022 Rose Pinot Noir Terroir Unico from La Arboleda is an off-white copper color. An intense nose presents sweet and sour cherry and rose petal notes. In the mouth, it has a compelling malic freshness and a lovely electric flow thanks to the altitude and decision to harvest early.
  • Zorzal 2019 'Gran Terroir' Pinot Noir, Tupungato (Gualtallary)
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 91 (3/31/2021)
    The 2019 Gran Terroir Pinot Noir feels a little riper and wider, with darker fruit and some more rusticity. It seems to have more texture and concentration, as it's a wine that was going to be aged in barrel for 12 months. The palate shows more austerity and the chalkiness from Gualtallary. 22,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2020.
  • Zorzal 2022 'Gran Terroir' Chardonnay, Gualtallary
    Descorchados
    Rating: 93 (7/31/2024)

    From grapes purchased from Finca Ambrosia, a vineyard neighboring Zorzal, also in Gualtallary, in the northern Uco Valley, this wine has an almost tannic texture that anchors itself on the palate and begs for raw shellfish with lemon juice. The flavors are fruity, with notes of spice and the light saline touches typical of this zone of calcareous soils. Tremendous value for money here.

  • Zorzal 2022 'Gran Terroir' Malbec, Tupungato (Gualtallary)
    Descorchados
    Rating: 94 (7/31/2024)

    The new Zorzal vineyards coming into production are giving a boost to the winery's portfolio, especially in terms of power and concentration. This Malbec is a selection from vineyards that winemaker Juan Pablo Michelini says are ‘60% calcareous soils, and the rest is sand,’ for a red that's mid-range, yet has the sharp, powerful tannins of a more ambitious wine. The texture evokes chalk here, while the flavors are deep, intense, and fruity. It tastes like a young wine and is perfect for pairing with well-seasoned meat dishes.

  • Zorzal 2023 'Terroir Unico' Cabernet Franc, Gualtallary
    Descorchados
    Rating: 90 (7/31/2024)
    A lot of strength in this Cabernet Franc from its own vineyards in Gualtallary, next to the Zorzal winery. It is generous in black fruit flavors, intense in tannins and with a background of tobacco notes that gives complexity.
  • Zorzal 2023 'Terroir Unico' Pinot Noir, Tupungato
    Descorchados
    Rating: 92 (7/31/2024)

    This is the first harvest of this Pinot (due to its price-quality ratio, an old Descorchados favorite) that comes from its own vineyards, the vines that Zorzal planted in 2020 and that give this delicious juice, of great expression. Perhaps somewhat rustic in tannins, but who at this price can offer those tannins combined with the load of fresh and lively fruits that this Terroir Unico offers? A very varietal Pinot, also with notes of flowers and herbs. To quench thirst, but also for sausages.

  • Zorzal 2023 'Terroir Unico' Malbec, Tupungato
    Descorchados
    Rating: 91 (5/17/2023)
    One of the best price-quality ratios for Malbec on the market, it comes mainly from its own vineyards, the vines that Zorzal began planting around 2013 in the Gualtallary area, towards the north of the Uco Valley. It is pure ripe red fruits and flowers, soft texture, light and fruity body; ideal to take to the barbecue or to celebrate a pizza Saturday.