Altos las Hormigas Malbec Clásico 2022

Altos Las Hormigas helped prove Mendoza's case for Malbec, the grape that came from Cahors in France but found its home in Argentina, where it is now the most planted variety. This Clásico is sourced across the estate's Mendoza vineyards, planted high in the Andean foothills on alluvial and sandy soils. The altitude brings strong daytime sun and cold nights, and this wide diurnal swing lets the fruit ripen fully while holding the acidity that keeps the wine fresh. Farming follows the estate's low-intervention approach. The wine is raised in concrete rather than oak, a neutral vessel that adds no wood flavour while its thick walls keep a steady temperature and allow a little oxygen through the surface, rounding the tannins and letting the pure Malbec fruit lead. The colour is deep violet-ruby. The nose shows ripe plum, dark cherry and red berry over cracked pepper and dried herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied and juicy, with ripe dark fruit, soft, rounded tannins and a fresh, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is an easy match for grilled beef, lamb and pork.