Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2021

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2021

 

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Altos Las Hormigas
Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Rich and Spicy
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

The Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Organico Lujan de Cuyo stands out with its vibrant red fruit aromas and refined acidity, a testament to the careful organic practices and terroir-driven approach of the vineyard.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 92 2019
JS James Suckling 91 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 90 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Organico Lujan de Cuyo originates from the renowned Lujan de Cuyo region in Mendoza, Argentina. This area is celebrated for its optimal conditions for cultivating Malbec, benefiting from a high-altitude climate that fosters the development of concentrated and expressive wines. Situated in a high-density polygon on the estate, the vineyard is committed to organic farming practices from the very beginning.

The soil preparation involved the incorporation of hummus, organic coverage, and precise water management, all aimed at promoting deep root development. This approach is crucial for producing wines with exceptional quality and natural freshness, especially in warmer climates. The soil in this region is distinguished by its low clay content and significant presence of limestone, which enhances the wine's minerality and freshness, setting a foundation for the wine’s unique character.

Winemaking

This wine is crafted from 100% Malbec grapes, meticulously hand-picked from certified organic vineyards. The grapes are gently released by gravity into small concrete tanks, where alcoholic fermentation takes place with native yeasts at 26°C for 15 days. This careful fermentation process preserves the natural flavors and characteristics of the Malbec grapes.

Post-fermentation, 75% of the wine is aged for 18 months in concrete pools, which helps maintain the wine's purity and freshness. The remaining 25% is aged in untoasted large oak foudres, adding complexity and subtle oak nuances. Following this period, the wine undergoes further aging for 6 months in the bottle before its release, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop further.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Concentrated ruby red.
  • Aroma: The nose is expressive and fruity, with notes of red fruits, plums, cherries, lemon thyme, eucalyptus, and Mendocinian underbrush.
  • Palate: The palate is marked by freshness and elegance, featuring a vertical structure with supple tannins and a long finish. The wine’s vibrant acidity enhances its overall balance and texture, making it a delightful and refined Malbec.

Did you know?

The creative inspiration behind this wine was to showcase the most subtle and mineral aspects of Lujan de Cuyo. This organic Malbec differs from traditional wines from the region by highlighting the unique qualities of the limestone soils, providing a distinctive and fresh profile that sets it apart.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Roasted Red Meats: The rich, savory flavors of roasted meats complement the wine's robust fruit and acidity.
  • Spicy Dishes: The elegant acidity and supple tannins balance well with the heat and complexity of spicy cuisine.
  • Grilled Vegetables: The wine's freshness and minerality enhance the smoky, charred flavors of grilled vegetables.
  • Aged Cheeses: The complex aromas and long finish of the wine pair beautifully with the intense flavors of aged cheeses

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​​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 92 Points (2019)
The classical red 2019 Malbec Terroir Luján de Cuyo was produced with certified organic grapes from their property, selected from places with almost no clay and more limestone. Seventy-five percent of the volume was kept in the concrete tanks, where it fermented for 18 months, while the rest matured in 3,500-liter oak foudres. This has 13.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.74, and it's juicy and balanced, with a similitude with the Malbec Classico. It's from 24 hectares planted on their property, and this is selected from a small plot that has some calcium carbonate. It has a touch of herbs, fresh blood and meat, an iron twist, with complexity and a fine-boned palate with fine tannins and a long, dry finish. The oak is very neatly integrated and folded into the wine, really unnoticeable. 28,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2021.

James Suckling (JS) : 91 Points (2019)
Black cherries and plums with a darker tone to the fruit and some white pepper. Medium body with a plump, round mouth-feel. Polished, smooth tannins to close. Soft-spoken and understated. (3/2022)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 90 Points (2019)
The 2019 Malbec Organico is from Luján de Cuyo. Purple in hue. Unaged, it has a young, easygoing nose of good intensity in which fresh plum and violet notes are prominent. In the mouth, it’s something else with a heightened freshness that brings a nimble flow, medium body, youthful grip and ruggedness. This is a Malbec that quenches thirst without going overboard. With time in the bottle, the variety’s smoothness will come to the front. (JH) (11/2021)

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020
Altos Las Hormigas
Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020
VN
92
JS
93
RP
93
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.
36,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021
Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021
Altos Las Hormigas
Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021
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.
19,90 €
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Altos Las Hormigas Blanco 2023
Altos Las Hormigas Blanco 2023
Altos Las Hormigas
Blanco 2023
RP
90
Altos Las Hormigas Blanco emerges as a distinctive white wine blend from Mendoza, Argentina, showcasing a fresh and balanced profile with an emphasis on the terroir's uniqueness.
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Altos Las Hormigas Meteora Malbec is an exceptional Malbec from the Uco Valley, showcasing a balance of vibrant fruit, structured tannins, and a unique terroir-driven complexity.
47,90 €
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