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Altos Las Hormigas Valle de Uco Malbec `Terroir`
Producer
Altos Las Hormigas is based in Luján de Cuyo, the only officially recognised appellation in Mendoza and one of the region’s premier vine growing areas...
The estate is known as a Malbec specialist with a reputation as one of the country‘s top five producers of this particular variety. Alberto Antonini and fellow Tuscan, Antonio Morescalchi, were so impressed with the vineyards in the area around Mendoza, following their first trip to Argentina in 1995, that they persuaded a few friends to join with them in buying this estate. The estate covers 216 hectares, of which 40 were planted between 1996 and 1999.
Vineyards
Altos Las Hormigas is based in Luján de Cuyo, the only officially recognised appellation in Mendoza and one of the region’s premier vine growing areas...
The estate is known as a Malbec specialist with a reputation as one of the country‘s top five producers of this particular variety. Alberto Antonini and fellow Tuscan, Antonio Morescalchi, were so impressed with the vineyards in the area around Mendoza, following their first trip to Argentina in 1995, that they persuaded a few friends to join with them in buying this estate. The estate covers 216 hectares, of which 40 were planted between 1996 and 1999.
Vintage Information
A relatively mild winter, with a dry and fresh spring. March was also dry with high temperatures. The harvest was free of rain and took place at the expected time with the desired maturity. The warm and dry weather resulted in complexity and intense colour in grapes of perfect health.
Vinification
Grapes from different vineyards were vinified separately before the final blend. The grapes were selected from a double selection table and were gently pressed before the cold maceration process began in small stainless steel tanks for 5 days at 10ºC. The alcoholic fermentation began with indigenous yeasts at 28-30ºC for 12 days, with a long maceration. Three rack-and-returns took place during this time, together with four punching-overs each day, for the best extraction. The wine was aged with French oak insert staves.
Tasting Notes
Opaque black in colour, with flashes of violet and an ethereal, highly complex nose with notes of red and black fruits, spices, smoke, forest groves and sweet, fresh wood. The palate has excellent breadth and depth of juicy fruit. The acidity is fresh and the tannins are firm but fine-textured, supporting the berry flavours well on the long, elegant finish.
| Vintage |
2009 |
| Grape varieties |
100%Malbec |
| Region |
Mendoza |
| Winemaker |
Alberto Antonini/Attilio Pagli |
| Closure |
|
| Alcohol (ABV) |
14.5%% |
