Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020

 

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Altos Las Hormigas
Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley offers a vibrant expression of Uco Valley terroir, showcasing intense fruit flavors and a refined texture that is sure to captivate Malbec enthusiasts.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 93 2020
RP Robert Parker 93 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 92 2020
W&S Wines & Spirits 91 2018
DCT Decanter 91 2014
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Uco Valley in Mendoza is renowned for its ideal conditions for growing premium Malbec. The grapes for the Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve are sourced from vineyards located in two distinct areas within the Uco Valley. 20% of the grapes come from vineyards in the alluvial deposits of the Tunuyán River in Paraje Altamira, while 80% come from the high and alluvial zone of Gualtallary. These regions are characterized by their calcareous soils, which include medium and large gravels covered with calcium carbonate paste. This unique soil composition contributes significantly to the wine's structure, texture, and aftertaste.

The high-altitude vineyards, combined with the region's climatic conditions, allow for the production of grapes with exceptional concentration and freshness. This vintage benefited from a particularly dry year with minimal rainfall and high temperatures, which led to the development of intensely flavored and ripe grapes​​.

Winemaking

The Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley is made from 100% Malbec grapes, carefully hand-harvested to ensure only the best bunches are selected. The fermentation and maceration processes are meticulously managed, with gentle pigeages to achieve optimal extraction. The juice is fermented at 26°C (79°F) using natural acidity and indigenous yeasts, which enhance the wine's freshness, typicity, and vibrancy.

The wine undergoes a unique aging process to preserve its fruit intensity and natural character. 75% of the wine is aged for 18 months in 3,500-liter untoasted French oak foudres, while the remaining 25% is aged in concrete pools with no epoxy. This combination allows the wine to maintain its intensity and purity. After aging, the wine is further matured for 12 months in the bottle before release​​.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Bright red.
  • Aroma: The nose is very intense, with aromas of black fruits such as blueberries and cherries, complemented by notes of violets, white pepper, and hints of the foothills of Mendoza's mountains, typical of wines from calcareous soils.
  • Palate: On entry, the fruit is the central character, supported by an acidity that carries the wine through different stages until it reaches the end of the palate, where it remains for a long time, showing tension and a fine texture.

Did you know?

The terroir of the Uco Valley, with its high-altitude vineyards and unique calcareous soils, plays a crucial role in the distinctive character of the Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley. The careful vineyard management and innovative winemaking techniques used by the team at Altos Las Hormigas ensure that each bottle reflects the true essence of this exceptional region.

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:

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​​.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2020)
Notes of blue plums and blueberries with hints of savory herbs, violets and wet stones. A crunchy and savory palate with juicy, finely polished tannins and chalky blue fruit character. Pretty and attractive with a mineral finish. (2/2023)

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2020)
The 2020 Malbec Reserve was produced from vines on limestone soils in Gualtallary (80%) and Altamira (20%) with concentration and elegance. It has 13.8% alcohol and keeps very good freshness and balance. It fermented with natural yeasts, and 75% of the volume matured in oak foudre for 18 months and the rest in raw concrete. They have had the courage to go for their own style, and this wine reflects that, but perhaps it's the most classical of their bottlings. It has ripeness without excess and varietal aromas of violet, iron and blood with an earthy touch and the chalky minerality in the texture. 2020 was a warm and dry vintage, and the wine manages to keep the poise and has the complexity of the noble origin but without the agility of the wines from 2019.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 92 Points (2020)
The 2020 Malbec Reserve from the Uco Valley was 75% aged in foudres. Purple in the glass. This has a mild nose of herbs, violets and sweet and sour cherry. The 2020 is a red with refined, reactive tannins that will improve in the bottle, delivering intense flavor, a juicy flow and a bold expression. The feel is chalky and quite crunchy for a warm year. (JH) (9/2022)

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2018)
Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi began this project after a visit to Mendoza in the mid-1990s, now working with wine geologist Pedro Parra and winemaker Attilio Pagli. This malbec has a balance of weight and freshness, transitioning into blueberry flavors and violet florals in the middle. It’s lean and clean, with an earthy softness at the end. 

Decanter (DCT) : 91 Points (2014)
Seductive and inviting, this is a modern style of Malbec which is ripe and sweet with wild herbs and gentle, oaky notes that make it peppery and ever so slightly green. Ready for a barbecue.

Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021
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Altos Las Hormigas
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RP
90
JS
90
DCT
92
The Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Clásico is a vibrant and expressive representation of Mendoza's terroir, offering a delightful exploration of Malbec's classic characteristics with a modern twist.
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RP
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VN
90
JS
91
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