Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco 2022

Located at the foot of the Andes mountain range, the Altos Las Hormigas vineyard stretches across the Uco Valley, southwest of Mendoza, Argentina. This high-altitude region is renowned for its poor alluvial soils, a mix of gravel, pebbles, and limestone deposits, which promote moderate yields and great purity of expression. The vines benefit from a continental climate characterized by significant thermal amplitude between day and night, allowing for slow and complete grape ripening, while preserving freshness, tension, and a mineral identity in the wines produced.

The grapes are harvested by hand, sorted, 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 Uco Valley's limestone terroir. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in concrete tanks and large neutral containers, without new wood, to maintain aromatic purity, freshness, and the finesse of the tannins, before bottling without excessive fining.

This wine reveals notes of fresh red fruits, dark fruits, and violet, complemented by touches of sweet spices, pepper, and a subtle mineral dimension reminiscent of wet stone. The palate offers a juicy and precise texture, supported by vibrant acidity, fine and chalky tannins, and a silky texture that extends the tasting experience. The long, saline finish highlights the freshness of the high-altitude terroir and leaves an impression of great drinkability and balance.

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.