Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2021

Altos Las Hormigas works in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, and this Malbec comes from Gualtallary, one of the highest sub-regions in Argentina with vineyards planted between 1,000 and 2,000 metres. The estate farms vines at around 1,300 metres on the limestone and calcareous soils that characterise the area. Altitude is the key factor here. Strong daytime sun ripens the fruit while cold mountain nights slow that ripening, holding back acidity and building colour and tannin in the skins. The chalky, free draining soils restrict vigour and lend the wine its mineral grip. Ageing runs for eighteen months in large foudres, where the low ratio of wood surface to wine allows slow oxygen exchange and softens the tannins without layering on obvious oak. The wine is a deep violet red. The nose shows ripe plum, black cherry and red berries over black pepper and a clear stony note. The palate is full and structured, with firm but fine tannin, fresh acidity from the cool nights and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits grilled red meat and hard mountain cheeses.