We are back in our Altamira estate to check out what happened after Francisco “El Gorrión” found the best location to extract underground water. The digging of the well began as part of the “treasure hunting” that will give life to our future vineyards.
The digging of the well
In the meantime, the Altos Las Hormigas team planned a “Day of Calicatas (pits)” in the Altamira estate. With the goal of recognizing the different soil profiles that each plot is made of, our Terroir expert Pedro Parra, along with our winemaker Leonardo Erazo and the agronomists Juan José Borgnia and Emmanuel Campana, set out on a journey of walking through the estate to examine each one of the calicatas. But they were not alone; two dauntless female members of the team, Estefanía (Market Manager Latam) and Carla (Communication Manager) joined them to discover the micro-terroir of Altamira.
Juanjo, Estefi and Emma
Leo and Pedro. Carla took the pictures…
In order to have a sample of 1 pit per hectare, 50 pits were dug. Each pit shows a micro-terroir that will define a different style of Malbec in our portfolio. As we walked, Pedro explained that the ideal soil has a perfect balance between limestone and earth. “It’s like the bone and the muscle”, Pedro compared, as the sun began to hit harder as we carried on with our journey.
One of the 50 calicatas in the estate
Lots of limestone
Leaving behind Calicata 29
“It’s so hot!”… “Who was responsible for bringing the water??”… As we kept walking through the estate, we began to feel more thirsty and tired. But we continued, with the mountains watching us peacefully in our itinerary.
Walking towards the Andes
“Juanjo, weren’t you supposed to bring the water?” asked Pedro when, at 2:45 pm, the Uco Valley sun made the day incredibly hot. Everyone started making jokes at Juanjo, who tried to defend himself…but ended up laughing with the group.
Some thirsty but happy ants
“This is the last calicata” announces Juanjo with a loud, clear voice. Everyone was expecting this moment, so we could go have something fresh to drink! After a detailed analysis of the last micro-terroir, the “Day of Calicatas” was over. The team walked back to the truck that would carry them to downtown La Consulta in search of a cold beverage.
Finishing the adventure…
Lots of water and lemonade helped the team recover its energy. Everyone was happy because all 50 pits in the estate were examined. This dedicated work will be the basis for planning the new Altos Las Hormigas vineyards in Altamira.
Mission accomplished!