Malbec Altos Las Hormigas 2021

Altos Las Hormigas' Malbec is an Argentine red that crisply and directly expresses the fragrant and fruity varietal characters of the Malbec grape variety. This red berry variety native to the southwestern regions of France, particularly the area between Cahors and Bordeaux, has found a second home in the Mendoza area, so much so that it has become the nation's flagship wine. Vedic soils and altitude allow for excellent ripening of the grapes. The choice of winemaking without the use of wood helps to preserve intact the rich aromatic complement. It is a pleasant, young red with a smooth and satisfying sip.

The red Malbec is produced by the Argentine winery Altos Las Hormigas, which is located in the district of Carrizal da Abajo, near Mendoza, right at the foot of the peaks of the Andean mountain range. The estate is the brainchild of Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini, who, together with Antonio Marescalchi, purchased some 200 hectares of land in the mid-1990s. Through careful zoning, the vines were planted in the most suitable areas, highlighting differences in terroir with separate vinifications. The plots with the best soils were selected, which, together with the cool climate, allowed for particularly fine labels. The goal of producing wines true to terroir has led to embracing the practices of biodynamics so that a healthy environment in harmony with nature can be created, capable of giving high quality grapes without chemical interference.

Altos Las Hormigas' Malbec wine is produced trying to respect the characteristics of the grapes and place of origin. Malbec is grown in vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. These are semi-desert areas characterized by the presence of predominantly clayey-sandy soils and strong temperature ranges between day and night, which allow slow and gradual ripening. Grapes from each vineyard are vinified separately in steel tanks with a 10-day maceration. After blending, the wine matures in cement for 12 months. In the glass, it has a red colour with slight violet hues. The bouquet expresses aromas of raspberry, berries, plums and hints of spice. The palate is intense, with fragrant fruit, lively tannins and a harmonious, long and persistent finish.