Altos Las Hormigas

i-94-approved by Gruppo Matura’s Mario Japaz

Altos Las Hormigas is a wine that has captivated many; from its early beginnings, Altos has shown how the modern Malbec should be done, and with an interesting background to tell.

In 1995, Alberto Antonini, a well known Tuscan wine maker, and Antonio Morescalchi a young entrepreneur, took a trip to visit the major viticultural areas of Argentina. They quickly found what they had been looking for upon discovery of Malbec in the Mendoza appellation.

The next step came that year and 216 hectares were bought in the township of Lujàn de Cuyo. Shortly after this, some other old time friends, enthused by the idea, joined the enterprise: Attilio Pagli, another well known Tuscan wine maker; Marco de Grazia, a well known negotiant of fine Italian wines; Alan Scerbanenko, a Swiss management counselor; and last but not least, Antonio Terni, Italo-Argentine, who produces top quality wines in the Marche region of Italy.

With a splendid yet very affordable product, this incredible and varied team has made Altos grow year after year. Now with an earned reputation, their wine can be found in the most important markets around the world.

Below, find a detailed description of this fabulous Malbec.

ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC 2006

VINEYARDS

100 % Malbec grapes are harvested in March and early April. 25% is from Medrano vineyards, while 60% is from the Consulta, Vista Flores and Eugenio Bustos grapes in the Valle de Uco area. The remaining grapes are from the Perdriel and Vistalba districts in Luján de Cuyo.

PRODUCTION

Grapes from different vineyards are vinified separately before the final blend. The softly-pressed destemmed grapes are vinified in stainless steel vats at 28º Celsius. During the 15-day fermentation-maceration process, the must is pumped over and compressed optimal extraction. Free run juice only, the wine is bottled without any form of stabilization or filtration, in order not to alter its quality. It is then sold after three months of bottle age. 60,000 cases produced.

VINTAGE

Harvest 2006 will be remembered as a classical vintage. Dry and balanced weather conditions throughout the season, allow slow and sumptuous ripening. Harvest time was chosen without weather-imposed constrictions.

TASTING NOTES

Very intense, fruit driven with a nose integrating layers of violet, lavender, red berries, liquorice and chocolate. Ample structure and full body.

SUGGESTED PAIRINGS

Argentine Asado, grilled beef, Carbonara sauce, spicy beef-based dishes, soft paste aged cheeses.

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