Altos Las Hormigas
Altos Las Hormigas is a prominent winery based in Mendoza, Argentina, known for its terroir-driven Malbecs that express the unique characteristics of the region's soils and climate.
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.
