Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo 2022

Located in the heart of Mendoza province, the Altos Las Hormigas vineyard stretches across the high alluvial terraces of Luján de Cuyo, at the foot of the Andes Mountains. The plots selected for this cuvée come from soils poor in organic matter, composed of gravel, sand, and calcareous deposits, offering remarkable natural drainage. The moderate altitude and significant temperature variations promote slow grape maturation, preserving the freshness and purity of the fruit, while the dry and sunny climate ensures healthy and consistent harvests.

Malbec grapes are hand-harvested, sorted, and then gravity-fed into tanks. Fermentation takes place in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, at controlled temperatures, with gentle pump-overs to preserve the fruit and the expression of the Luján de Cuyo terroir. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged mainly in concrete tanks and large oak foudres, without new wood, to maintain aromatic purity, freshness, and fine tannins before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruits, black cherry, and plum, complemented by floral touches of violet and dried flowers, as well as delicate spicy nuances of pepper and clove. A more mineral register is also perceived, with accents of wet stone and graphite. On the palate, the texture is juicy and precise, supported by vibrant acidity, fine and chalky tannins, and a long, fresh, and savory finish.

Although Argentina is often considered part of the "New World," its winemaking tradition is much older than one might think, dating back to the Spanish colonization of the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been an integral part of the country's culture. No other wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the latter years of the 20th century (in viticulture, oenology, and, of course, finance), which allowed the country's winemakers to raise quality levels and successfully establish an international export market. Argentina is now the fifth largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Viticulture is practiced primarily in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where the desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to create aromatic and intensely flavorful wines. Some vineyards are even planted at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters! The terroir here is well-suited to the grape variety adopted by Argentina: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now the source of some of Argentina's most famous wines, characterized by their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and dark fruit flavors. Other red varieties produced in Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir. Among white wines, the emblematic grape of the Argentine wine region is Torrontés, which yields a wine with a floral and tropical taste. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Today, Argentine wines are recognized worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as being of high quality.