Jardin de Hormigas Meteora 2021

From plots 7, 9, 11 and 12 of the Jardín de Hormigas vineyard, this Malbec comes from Paraje Altamira, in the Uco Valley, south of Mendoza. At 1,200 metres above sea level, this organically farmed vineyard sits in an environment where biodiversity plays a central role.

The grapes are vinified in epoxy-free concrete tanks with native yeasts and 15% whole bunches. Small pump-overs ensure measured extraction, of at least a third of the volume a day. Fermentation takes place at 25 °C, followed by a total maceration of 20 days. Ageing continues for 12 months in concrete.

This wine reveals notes of gunpowder, graphite, cherry, morello cherry, wild blackberry, violet, camomile, rosemary, black pepper and chalk. Touches of native vegetation and liquorice extend this profile, at once fruity, floral, herbal and mineral. The palate, vertical and concentrated, combines a silky texture with lively acidity; the elastic, finely textured tannins lead to a long, fresh and savoury finish.

Although Argentina is considered part of the "New World", its winegrowing tradition is much older than you might think, dating back to the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century and later to Italian settlers. Unlike Chile, wine has long been part of the country's culture. No wine-producing country in the world made more progress in the last years of the 20th century (in viticulture, winemaking and, necessarily, finance), which allowed the country's winemakers to raise quality levels and consolidate an international export market. Argentina has now become the fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world, after France, Italy, Spain and the United States. Winegrowing is mainly practised in the foothills of the Andes, particularly in Mendoza, where desert landscapes and high altitudes combine to produce aromatic, intensely fragrant wines. Some vineyards are even planted at up to 3,000 metres above sea level! The terroir here is well suited to the grape variety Argentina has adopted as its own: the ubiquitous Malbec. Originally from Bordeaux, it is now behind some of Argentina's most famous wines, which are characterised by their brilliance and intensity, with floral notes and black-fruit flavours. Other red varieties produced in Argentina are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Syrah, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. Among the white wines, the emblematic grape variety of Argentine winegrowing is Torrontés, which gives a wine with floral and tropical flavours. The country also produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. Today Argentine wines are recognised worldwide for their full-bodied reds and as wines of great quality.