Argentina is a country that took its time, even longer than Chile, to catch up with modern wine. This land, where traditionally Italians made flat whites and reds that turned brown when stored, woke up in the 1990s. Since then, investors from all over the world have put money into this country, specifically in the Mendoza region, which has become the most important wine-growing area. The most interesting region for wine lovers is the Uco Valley, where more than 27,750 hectares of vineyards grow (twice as much as in 2000).
Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi fell madly in love with this area, which gets its name from a pre-Columbian Indian chief who introduced irrigation to the area. One was a winemaker and the other a businessman. And they both had all the desire and passion they needed to found Altos Las Hormigas. As if they were in a casino, Alberto and Antonio bet everything on one thing: Malbec, an “ignored and misunderstood” variety with as yet unknown potential. It was 1995 and, ignoring the advice of neighbouring farmers, the two Italians decided to embark on this adventure, which has seen some very good results.
From these calcareous soils in the alluvial deposits of the Tunuyán River, they make high quality wines that are quickly recognised and much loved by consumers. One example of this is Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva. The grapes used to make this wine are harvested by hand and selected with the utmost care. This enthusiasm and care is maintained throughout the production process, where the grapes are moved by gravity into tanks where they ferment with native yeasts. After this process, the wines are aged in 3,500 litre untoasted oak foudres and 12 months in the bottle.
It took them a while to get going, but now there is no stopping them. For wine lovers, Argentina is unmissable. It still has so much to offer and to show. What better way to learn about this country than with Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserva, a great red wine for experienced palates that will whet your appetite.