Altos Las Hormigas Appellation Altamira Malbec 2021

Region and Vineyards

Set against the Andes in Mendoza's Uco Valley, Paraje Altamira is renowned for Malbec that combines expressive fruit with compelling freshness, precision and texture. For this cuvée, 100% certified organic grapes come from two parcels of Altos Las Hormigas' Jardín de Hormigas vineyard, situated at 1,200 metres above sea level. Planted in 2017, the vineyard is organised into distinct soil plots, with native vegetation integrated to encourage biodiversity. This commitment to regenerative vineyard management helps preserve the site's individual character.

Underfoot, two contrasting soil profiles create a mosaic. One parcel has approximately 80 cm of silty topsoil, with dissolved limestone over granite and carbonate layers. The second has only 10 cm of silt and clay above gravel rich in associated calcium carbonate. Large, limestone coated stones and gravels occupy about 85% of the soil volume. The 2021 growing season combined a cool, dry spring, moderate summer temperatures and settled conditions near harvest, favouring vivid aromatics, fresh fruit and defined tannins.

Winemaking

Crafted from 100% Malbec, the 2021 Appellation Altamira reflects a sensitive approach to each parcel. Fruit from two vineyard plots is handled separately, twice selected and transferred by gravity into small unlined concrete vessels. Alcoholic fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts and continues at approximately 26°C for 25 days. Gentle extraction preserves vivid fruit and supple texture. Rather than pumping wine over the cap, the team uses manual punch downs three times daily, avoiding aggressive handling.

After fermentation, the wine matures for 15 months, with 50% in 3,500 litre untoasted French oak foudres and the remaining 50% in concrete vessels. Untoasted oak limits conspicuous wood influence, allowing the violet perfume, berry fruit and tactile stony character to remain at the forefront. The wine then rests for a minimum of 12 months in bottle before release. The result is an expressive Malbec that combines fruit concentration with refreshing acidity, polished tannins and a lasting sense of place.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant, vibrant ruby red with youthful violet reflections, displaying excellent clarity and inviting luminosity.
• Aroma: Beautifully expressive and layered, opening with fresh blueberries, blackcurrants, cassis and ripe cherries. Delicate violet perfume unfolds alongside orange peel, white pepper and jarilla, an aromatic native Andean shrub. Subtle impressions of wet stone and crushed minerals contribute to the wine's distinctive complexity.
• Palate: Juicy and energetic, with an impressively precise combination of fruit concentration and freshness. Blueberries, cassis and red cherries are supported by supple, finely textured tannins and lively acidity. A pronounced chalky sensation gives the wine remarkable definition and grip, while subtle flinty, herbal and saline nuances enhance its complexity. The long, persistent finish reveals lingering fresh fruit, citrus zest and stony mineral impressions.

Did you know?

The name Altos Las Hormigas has an intriguing origin. When the estate's first vineyards were planted in 1996, colonies of local ants began feeding on the tender shoots of the young vines. Rather than using poison, the vineyard workers sought natural ways to discourage them, joking that the ants were the real landowners.

The founders embraced this encounter, choosing the hardworking ant as the estate's emblem. In Argentina, the expression un trabajo de hormigas, meaning an undertaking requiring the patience and perseverance of ants, reflects the dedication behind the project.

The 2021 Appellation Altamira is particularly significant as only the second vintage produced entirely from the estate's own Jardín de Hormigas vineyard.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Argentine Asado with Grilled Ribeye: A natural pairing that celebrates the wine's Mendoza heritage. The beautifully textured tannins complement the richness of grilled beef, while its lively acidity refreshes the palate and balances the smoky, chargrilled flavours.
• Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb: The wine's notes of wild herbs, white pepper and violets harmonise with rosemary and thyme, while its concentrated berry fruit provides a delicious contrast to the lamb's savoury richness.
• Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Risotto: Earthy mushrooms and aged Parmesan accentuate the wine's savoury, stony character. Its vibrant acidity cuts through the creamy texture of the risotto, creating a beautifully balanced pairing.
• Roasted Duck Breast with Cherry Reduction: The wine's fresh cherry and blueberry flavours echo the fruit sauce, while its elegant tannins and refreshing acidity complement the duck's richness without overpowering its delicate flavour.

History of Altos Las Hormigas Estate

Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by Alberto Antonini, a renowned Tuscan winemaker, and Antonio Morescalchi, a young entrepreneur. Their vision was to create Argentine Malbec that would stand out for its local character, moving away from the industrial winemaking practices prevalent at the time.

Alberto Antonini is one of the most recognized winemakers globally, with a background in Agricultural Studies from the University of Florence and Oenology degrees from the University of Bordeaux and the University of California - Davis. He has worked with prestigious wine producers worldwide and brought his expertise and innovative approach to Altos Las Hormigas.

Antonio Morescalchi holds a degree in electronic engineering from Milan and Florence and speaks five languages. At the age of 26, inspired by the potential of Mendoza's vineyards, he co-founded the winery, contributing his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for winemaking​​.

Upon arriving in Mendoza, Antonini and Morescalchi were captivated by the region’s high-altitude vineyards and its long winemaking heritage, primarily established by European immigrants. They noticed the potential of Malbec, a grape that was largely underappreciated and considered a simple, everyday wine by local professionals. Ignoring commercial viability concerns, they established a Malbec-only winery, which quickly gained international recognition from its first vintage in 1997​​.

The Name "Altos Las Hormigas"

The name Altos Las Hormigas was inspired by the local ant colonies (hormigas) that the vineyard workers had to contend with during the early planting years. When the vineyards were established in 1996 in Luján de Cuyo, the workers faced significant challenges from the local ants, which seemed to claim ownership of the land. Rather than using poisons, the founders sought natural ways to coexist with these industrious insects. This struggle led to a running joke among the workers that the ants were the true owners of the vineyard.

In Argentina, the phrase “a job for ants” describes tasks requiring humble, patient, and extended teamwork. Embracing these qualities, the team decided to name their venture after the hardworking and persistent ants, symbolizing their approach to viticulture and winemaking​​.

Region and Vineyards

Altos Las Hormigas is situated in the Luján de Cuyo region, one of Mendoza’s traditional viticultural areas. This area benefits from a high-altitude climate, which contributes to the development of intense and expressive wines. The estate's vineyards are located at about 800 meters above sea level, facing the Andes to the east and protected to the west by minor geological formations.

The vineyards in Luján de Cuyo feature deep, fresh soils with low clay content and high calcium carbonate levels. These soils are predominantly silty loams, ideal for producing wines with great tension and finesse. The focus on terroir-driven viticulture involves small irrigation plots and natural farming methods aimed at developing a deep and healthy root system. This approach contrasts sharply with the region's industrial, high-yield traditions, allowing Altos Las Hormigas to produce wines that reflect the unique character of their terroir​​.

In addition to their vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Altos Las Hormigas has expanded its terroir exploration to the Uco Valley, specifically in regions like Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira.

• Gualtallary is an extreme location for vines, with altitudes ranging from 1,100 to 1,600 meters. The soils here are diverse and include super calcareous gravels, leading to wines with fresh, floral characteristics, fine herbal notes, and powerful tannic structures. This area is sometimes referred to as the "Barolo" of Malbecs due to its ability to produce wines with significant tannic backbones and fine-grained textures​​.
• Paraje Altamira, situated at 1,105 meters in the Uco Valley, is known for its cool, windy climate and alluvial soils with large boulders. This region is regarded as one of Mendoza’s "Grand Crus" and produces wines of great finesse and persistence, characterized by their tension and light weight. The discovery of soils with high active limestone content in Paraje Altamira has further enhanced the winery's portfolio, producing wines with a unique chalky texture and elegance​​.

The Terroir Project

The Terroir Project at Altos Las Hormigas stems from the belief that a wine's place of origin is fundamental to its character. Terroir encompasses both natural elements, such as soil and climate, and human factors, including the shared culture and legacy of local vintners. The vine stands at the intersection of these influences, nurtured by the environment and human care.

Altos Las Hormigas’ approach to terroir involves identifying and respecting the unique interactions between climate, soil structure, and vine morphology within distinct Terroir Units. This method, developed with the expertise of terroir specialist Pedro Parra, allows the winery to tailor its farming practices to the specific needs of each unit, from planting through harvesting and winemaking. This meticulous attention to terroir ensures that the wines express the true essence of their origins​​.

The winery's terroir-driven philosophy also emphasizes minimal intervention in the winemaking process. They use natural yeasts, low sulfur levels, and avoid new oak, preferring large Italian casks (Botti) that allow for slower aging and a purer expression of the vineyard site. By focusing on natural acidity and early harvesting, Altos Las Hormigas produces wines with depth, texture, and a persistent aftertaste that highlights the subtle variations imparted by their terroir​​.

Wine Range

Altos Las Hormigas offers a range of wines that highlight the diverse terroirs of Mendoza:

• Altos Las Hormigas Blanco: A blend of Semillon and Chenin from the Uco Valley, known for its natural acidity and purity.
• Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Organic, Lujan de Cuyo: Showcasing the svelte side of Lujan de Cuyo with tension and character.
• Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve, Valle de Uco: A deep, bright Malbec aged in Italian Botti, representing high-altitude terroirs.
• Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir, Valle de Uco: Early harvested to maintain natural acidity, with notes of cherry, violets, and white pepper.
• Altos Las Hormigas Tinto, Mendoza: A co-fermentation of Malbec and Semillon Blanc blended with Bonarda.
• Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico, Mendoza: Reflecting the authentic character of Malbec with fruit and freshness unhampered by oak​​.

Did you know?

The founders' decision to focus on Malbec was initially met with skepticism. At the time, Malbec was not widely recognized for its potential, and the idea of a Malbec-only winery seemed commercially unviable. However, their perseverance led to a significant shift in the perception and appreciation of Malbec, contributing to its status as Argentina's most planted and exported grape variety today​​.