Altos Las Hormigas 2020 Malbec Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina

Malbec is hand-picked from 100% calcareous soil of Uco Valley, limestones over alluvial deposits of the Tunuyan River in Altamira, the alluvial terrace of Arroyo Grande in Vista Flores, and the alluvial with calcareous highlands of Gualtallary. The terraces contain medium pebbles with occasional boulders covering calcium carbonate paste of around 7-10% active lime which contributes structure, texture and a long, impressive finish.

Grapes were harvested by hand with delicate bunch selection. The destemmed berries were loaded by gravity to allow a gentle breaking of skins. During fermentation, very gentle pigeage was used on the cap to avoid over-extraction. The juice fermented using native yeast. The wine was matured in 3,500 liter untoasted oak Foudres for 18 months, and then six months in the bottle.