The 2026 harvest in Mendoza will remain etched in our memory as the vintage of “synchrony.” Having completed a cycle that demanded discipline, attention to detail and precise logistics, we are confident to say that 2026 ranks among the top three vintages of the past decade.
If we had to define this year’s character, we would describe it as an exceptional blend of the memorable freshness of 2016 and the grandeur of 2021. This is a world-class vintage that came together for those who knew how to read nature’s timing.
Spring: The Challenge of the Cold
The path to this great harvest began in the final quarter of 2025, which was a time of caution. Spring was cold and damp, forcing us to remain constantly vigilant. In our own vineyards, we carried out eight frost protection measures between September and December.
Fortunately, our efforts paid off and we suffered no damage from hail, frost or rain. This cool start favored an excellent fruit set, resulting in a more generous grape yield than in previous years.
An Unusual Summer: A Look Back at 2021
The summer of 2026 will be remembered for its lack of heatwaves. Moderate maximum temperatures in January and February allowed for a slow and gradual ripening process, which is ideal for producing low-alcohol wines — a style that the winery has been pursuing for years.
However, nature presented us with a dilemma in March. Weather forecasts predicted heavy, concentrated rainfall. Drawing on our experience, especially what we learned during our first harvest together in 2021, the team made the strategic decision to harvest everything before the heavy rains arrived.
Between 12 February and 6 March, we worked at a frenetic pace. Our vineyards, Finca El Hormiguero and Jardín de Hormigas, ripened in sync. This is unusual, as harvesting grapes from all vineyards simultaneously typically requires immense logistical effort. For this vintage, as soon as we had finished at Finca El Hormiguero, we started harvesting at Jardín de Hormigas. Finishing the harvest on 6 March was pivotal: we obtained grapes in impeccable, healthy condition with a natural balance of sugar and acidity, which is rarely achieved when the weather becomes extreme.
Varietal Profiles
Due to the cool conditions of this year, the fruit expressed itself in a very pure way. The wines of this vintage are notable for their verticality and energy on the palate. They are wines of great finesse, texture and acidity.
- Malbec: In this vintage, our favorite variety has a profile leaning towards red and blue fruit. There is great finesse, a vibrant texture and freshness.
- Bonarda: Close attention was required for this variety this year. Due to the dense clusters, the team carried out meticulous work in the vineyard to prevent humidity from affecting the grapes’ health. The result is a healthy Bonarda with great character.
- Cabernet Franc: This was a special harvest, as the vines at our El Hormiguero estate finally produced significant volumes. It is a Cabernet Franc with ‘cool vintage’ notes, where pyrazines (those typical herbal and green hints) appear elegantly and maturely.
- Sémillon: Probably one of the best years for whites. The natural acidity is fantastic. Our Jardín de Hormigas Sémillon shows a perfect balance between alcohol and freshness, with a taut, vertical mouthfeel.
The True Work of Ants
The 2026 harvest demonstrated the maturity of our team. In a field where creativity is essential for overcoming the challenges presented by nature, we have achieved a finely tuned interpretation of the terroir. Each team member understood their role with great precision, allowing us to enjoy a harvest where, rather than intervening, we focused on guiding the process.
Today, with the fermentation process completed quickly and with minimal intervention, we enter the aging phase. It is now up to us to carefully select the ageing method for each wine, ensuring that the finesse imparted by the vineyard is not overshadowed.
We are convinced that these wines will remain true to our quest: to express the profound essence of the places we love. The 2026 vintage is undoubtedly one to look forward to.