ALH Terroir Valle de Uco-en – Altos Las Hormigas

MALBEC TERROIR VALLE DE UCO

VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA

Vintage Notes

This was a very dry year, with an average rainfall below the region’s historic records. The weather in the months previous to the harvest marked the hottest minimum temperatures of the last ten years, with very hot days. These conditions produced very concentrated grapes, with amazing potential. February brought cooler days, so we rapidly organized the harvesting schedule to pick up the grapes at their optimum ripening level. By the first days of March, all the grapes were in the winery.

vineyard

100% Uco Valley. Grapes are harvested by hand from a blend of high density vineyards located in the sub region of La Consulta as well as two areas in Tupungato. These are gravelly, alluvial soils with abundant stones and limestone presence.

Winemaking

Grapes from different vineyards are vinified separately before the final blend. The grapes are selected from a double selection table before going into small stainless steel tanks. The alcoholic fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts at 24-26°C, for 15 days. Each tank is tasted two times a day to determine what is needed. It is aged for 18 months in concrete pools (75% of the wine) and untoasted large oak foudres (25% of the wine). Ageing for 6 months in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

This wine embodies the freshness of the Andes Mountains; it is a clear example of how vertical Malbec from the Uco Valley can be. It has a deep red color with subtle bordeaux hints. As the wine unfolds in the nose, it shows notes of plums, quince, cherries, eucalyptus and green pepper. It is very juicy on the palate, with an intense entry. It has balanced, calcareous, fine-textured tannins. The finish is fruity and saline. Ideal to pair with Mediterranean cuisine and red meats.

technical data

Vintage: 2020
Variety: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 13.8%
Total Acidity: 5.25 g/l
PH: 3.70
Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l
Bottle Closure: DIAM
Bottle Capacity: 750mL
Winemakers: Alberto Antonini, Attilio Pagli, Federico Gambetta, Ana Wiederhold
Vineyard Management: Juan José Borgnia, Victoria Maselli.

awards

91 pts Vinous

MALBEC TERROIR VALLE DE UCO

VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA

Vintage Notes

The season began with a fresh and dry spring that favored good fruit set in the vines. During summer, temperatures were moderate, and in February and March – the months in which we pick up the grapes – we had bouts of rain. By the end of the season, rains lowered and temperatures were not very high; these last days were warm and stable, keeping the grapes turgid and avoiding over-ripeness. These conditions produced very fresh, highly aromatic wines, with intense colors, elegant tannins, and a great structure. Overall an excellent vintage for Altos Las Hormigas.

vineyard

Winemaking

Tasting Notes

The freshness of the Uco Valley invades this Malbec as it shows the ultimate expression of this distinctive wine region in Mendoza. It has a deep, concentrated ruby red color. On the nose, it is very intense with notes of red fruits, cherry, black fruits, blueberry as well as herbal notes of native plants (jarilla, coiron) and chamomile flower. On the palate, it is crunchy, fruity, with chalky tannins and a great texture. The finish is long, with mineral notes. Ideal to pair with Mediterranean cuisine and red meats.

technical data

Vintage: 2021
Variety: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 13.5%
Total Acidity: 5.32 g/l
PH: 3.74
Residual Sugar: 3.26 g/l
Bottle Closure: DIAM
Bottle Capacity: 750mL
Technical Team: Alberto Antonini, Pedro Parra, Federico Gambetta, Victoria Maselli.

awards

93 pts Tim Atkin, MW
93 pts Descorchados Guide by Patricio Tapia
91 pts James Suckling

MALBEC TERROIR VALLE DE UCO

VALLE DE UCO, MENDOZA

Vintage Notes

This was a shorter harvest than others, but no less intense. The season was marked by strong heatwaves, a year in which the physiological maturity was slightly delayed with respect to the organoleptic. Our work in the vineyard allowed us to obtain the desired alcohol and acidity just before the heat waves, preserving the fruit character and the tension of the skin of the berries. The season also had heavy rains, which threatened to delay the harvest. However, the rains stopped and gave us a window, just in time, to harvest our fruit with optimum ripeness and health. The cold of the last few weeks before harvest gave the grapes the necessary time to finish ripening and balance all their compounds. 2022 was a year with great concentrations, colors, and health, in which fruity and spicy notes prevailed.

vineyard

Winemaking

Grapes from different vineyards are vinified separately before the final blend. The grapes are carefully chosen from a double selection table before going into small stainless steel tanks. The alcoholic fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts at 24-26°C, for 15 days, with 15% whole bunch. It is aged for 12 months in concrete pools (90% of the wine) and untoasted large oak foudres (10% of the wine). Ageing for 6 months in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

A fresh Uco Valley Malbec from the altitude of the Andes Mountains. It has a concentrated red color with dark red hues. The nose shows great aromatic expression, with notes of field herbs, spices, ginger, as well as notes of dark fruits, blackberries and blueberries. The palate is intense, fresh and juicy. It has a good texture and a long and persistent finish, where mineral, chalky notes stand out. Ideal to pair with Mediterranean cuisine and red meats.

technical data

Vintage: 2022
Variety: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 13.7%
Total Acidity: 5.70 g/l
PH: 3.71
Residual Sugar: 2.65 g/l
Bottle Closure: DIAM
Bottle Capacity: 750mL
Technical Team: Alberto Antonini, Pedro Parra, Federico Gambetta, Victoria Maselli.

awards

92 pts Vinous Media
92 pts Descorchados Guide by Patricio Tapia

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