Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021

Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021

 

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Altos Las Hormigas
Mendoza Malbec Classico 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion :
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,1°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

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.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 90 2020
RP Robert Parker 90 2020
DCT Decanter 92 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

This Malbec is sourced from Luján de Cuyo (70%) and the Uco Valley (30%), two of Mendoza’s most esteemed regions. These areas feature a semi-desert climate, with hot days and cool nights, which promote optimal ripening while preserving the grapes’ natural acidity.

The soils are primarily silt-sandy in texture, offering excellent drainage and encouraging deep root systems that help vines endure Mendoza’s intense summer heat. The combination of altitude, diurnal temperature variation, and well-drained soils gives this Malbec its characteristic balance of freshness and structure.

Winemaking

The grapes were hand-harvested and subjected to a double sorting process, ensuring only the highest-quality fruit was used. Following gentle pressing, the must underwent fermentation with indigenous yeasts, allowing the wine to reflect the unique character of its terroir.

Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks over 10 days at controlled temperatures between 24°C and 28°C, with constant tasting to fine-tune the process. After blending, the wine was aged for nine months in concrete vats, with no oak influence, preserving its pure fruit expression and vibrant profile.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Intense ruby-red with violet hues.
  • Aroma: Expressive notes of red fruits, plum, and raspberry, complemented by hints of orange rind and jarilla, a native plant of Mendoza.
  • Palate: Supple and juicy, with soft but structured tannins and a long, refreshing finish. This wine exemplifies Mendoza’s potential for fresh, aromatic Malbecs.

Did you know?

The name Altos Las Hormigas, meaning "Highlands of the Ants," reflects the estate’s deep respect for nature. The ants that inhabit the vineyards are a vital part of their organic farming ecosystem, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and harmony with the environment.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Beef Empanadas: The wine’s juicy red fruit complements the savory and spiced meat filling.
  • Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri: Its vibrant acidity and herbaceous hints mirror the freshness of the chimichurri sauce.
  • Mature Cheddar or Manchego Cheese: The wine’s structure and fruit balance the creaminess and nuttiness of these cheeses.
  • Roast Lamb with Rosemary: The earthy flavors of lamb harmonize with the wine’s herbal and fruity profile.

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) : 90 Points (2020)
Nice sour cherries with a streak of white pepper and violets. Medium-bodied, but fleshy. Ripe, almost creamy tannins extend to the finish, but are still juicy and vibrant.

Robert Parker (RP) : 90 Points (2020)
The red 2020 Malbec Clásico was produced with 80% grapes from Luján de Cuyo and 20% grapes from Valle de Uco, mostly their own grapes, all in stainless steel and vinified by plot with their native yeasts. It matured in concrete for nine months. It's ripe without excess and develops a full array of aromas and flavors but keeping 13.5% alcohol, very fresh for the warm year. It's juicy, complex beyond fruit, a little herbal, medium-bodied and with very fine tannins. It's clean, expressive and open, a wine that has to be approachable from when you pull the cork. They are working to increase the drinkability, which will be seen more and more in the following years. Rating: 90+

Decanter (DCT) : 92 Points (2018)
A bright and breezy Malbec from a terroir-driven winery, with fruit taken from vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley at an average of 1,000m. It's aged for 12 months in concrete vats to preserve the fruit purity, packed full of juicy, ripe raspberry and savoury plum with gentle hints of liquorice and spice.

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 Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2021
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2021
Altos Las Hormigas
Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2021
RP
92
VN
90
JS
91
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.
25,90 €
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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 2021
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Altos Las Hormigas
Meteora 2021
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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Wine regions guide
19,90 €
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