ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS

ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS
ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS
STORY•NA ME•TE A M•TE RRO I R•REG I ON S•PORTF OLI O•PRE S S
We are convinced that the next generation of wines coming out of Argentina will need to
reflect to a greater extent the area in which they are grown. In order to do this, more attention
will need to be paid to soil studies and understanding the terroir of Mendoza. Our vision is to
produce personal wines that are a reflection of our unwavering belief: that site selection is the
future of Argentina. –Team of Ants, Altos Las Hormigas
The Story
In 1995 Alberto Antonini, a well-known Tuscan winemaker, and Antonio Morescalchi, a young
entrepreneur, took a trip to visit the burgeoning wine areas of South America. It only took one
stop to find what they were looking for. They were immediately impressed by the vineyards
thriving in the high altitude and dry climate of Mendoza. They were captivated by the potential
of a New World wine region so deeply rooted in the Old World.
cemented their goal to become Malbec Specialists.
They returned to Tuscany powerfully
impressed not only by the region, but
also by the unexplored potential of
Malbec, a grape that had a strong
local tradition but was largely ignored
and misunderstood. While the rest
of the wine world saw Mendoza
struggling to shed its bulk wine image,
the two young Italians saw Mendoza
as a place where traditional
viticultural values and unblemished
terroir could be reinvigorated with a
modern winemaking approach and
international experience. Against
all odds and local advice, they
The Name
The next step came with the purchase of 206 hectares (530 acres) in the rural township of Lujan
de Cuyo. When the vineyards were planted in 1996 workers faced a stiff altercation with the
local ant (hormiga) colonies. The workers refused to poison the ants and started looking for
natural ways to deflect their attention. During this time they commented that the ants were
the “real” owners of the place and seemed to cover enormous ground and accomplish great
tasks despite their miniscule size. In Argentina there is a saying: “un trabajo de hormigas” or “a
job for ants” which describes a humble, patient, and extended work. Embracing (rather than
fighting) this first cultural test, it was decided that the venture must be named after the hardworking, team-playing and very persistent hormiga.
Winemaking Philosophy
In 2008 we started the Terroir Project with great dedication and excitement. As in wine, all plans
need patience to bring some reward, but the philosophy of Terroir immediately decanted in all
other practices. In the winery, we are eliminating the use of new oak, converting to gravity fed
winemaking and above all else, aiming for balance capable of highlighting what Malbec can
be. In our viticultural practices, we are applying precision agriculture techniques, including a
custom irrigation system, as well as organic and biodynamic farming. We will stay true to our
commitment, in search of an authentic wine.
The Team of Ants
The different cultural heritages that make up Altos Las Hormigas provide a richness of ideas
and character, always challenging each other. Old World winemaking ideas brought from
contemporary Italy, are applied to Argentine viticulture and local knowledge. The founding
team behind this vision was: Alberto Antonini, who left his winemaking job at the famed Antinori
to pursue potential he saw in Mendoza; Attilio Pagli, also drawn from Tuscany to Mendoza,
and Carlos Vazquez, a pioneer in Argentine viticulture, and an essential agricultural resource.
Antonio Morescalchi introduced Argentine Malbec to a world that knew neither Malbec nor
Argentina as a wine producing country 20 years ago.
Biographies
Alberto Antonini | Founder, Winemaker Alberto Antonini is one of the most recognized winemakers across the globe, and
brings new ideas and an unparalleled palate to the Altos Las Hormigas team. His
education includes a Ph.D. in Agricultural Studies from the University of Florence
and Enology degrees from the University of Bordeaux and the University of
California, Davis. He was senior winemaker for the Tuscan wineries of Antinori and
Frescobaldi, two of the leading Italian winemaking families, as well as numerous
New World wineries. He blends modern techniques with ancient tradition in the
pursuit of honest winemaking and is an integral contributor in helping Argentine
wines gain international appreciation.
Biographies
Antonio Morescalchi | Founder, Vice President
Antonio’s academic background is in engineering, however his entrepreneurial
spirit is what played a larger role in the path he followed. He discovered wine
early, where at the age of 22 he started making wine in his father’s basement
in Montecatini Alto, Tuscany. He left Tuscany for the New World wine region of
Mendoza in 1995 and immediately fell in love with the beautiful, old vines. Antonio
is fully dedicated to Altos Las Hormigas, from its humble beginnings to date, and
has contributed a personal, authentic touch to the project. Creator of the name
and the brand, he is Altos’ most ardent promoter of the wines and philosophy in
the global marketplace.
Attilio Pagli | Winemaker
Attilio is one of Italy’s most respected winemakers and one of Altos’ most
passionate. He studied at the Technical Agrarian Institute of Siena, Italy, at a time
when winemaking was still considered hands-on career . He had the fortune to
work under Tuscan winemaking legend Giulo Gambelli, whom he considers his
mentor. Attilio first arrived in Mendoza under instruction to create a Sangiovese
similar to those he was known for in Italy, but quickly learned that Mendoza had
no intention of being Tuscany. Instead, he fell in love with the old vines of Malbec.
Although he has two 100 point wines in his personal record, he believes that the
personality of terroir is what really inspires his commitment to winemaking.
Pedro Parra | Terroir Specialist, Ph.D.
Pedro is South America’s most recognized terroir and soil specialist, with extensive
academic and field experience to support his title. Pedro received a Masters
Degree in Precision Agriculture from Montpellier, France and a Ph.D. in Terroir from
the National Agronomy Institute, Paris. During his time in France, he studied in
Burgundy and Bordeaux with the most respected French experts such as Michel
Claude Girard and Bordeaux expert Pierre Becheler. Pedro has devoted his
career to studying soil profiles and their influence upon wine. His work has been
featured in numerous publications, including Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Wine
& Spirits Magazine. He plays an indispensable role in Altos Las Hormigas’ progress
towards terroir-driven, age worthy Malbec.
Leo Erazo| Enologist
Leo Erazo is a talented and an inspired winemaker. After university he traveled
across the wine world for 10 years, working in the most thrilling terroirs and gathering
experience. His journey led him to Stellenbosch University where he researched
the influence of soil over wine. His know-how and dedication make him a key
ingredient in our winemaking approach.
The Terroir Project
The Terroir Project began as a search for complexity and quality in the Malbec grape. Over
the past 19 years the team has seen vineyards that seemed to have all the perfect characteristics:
climate, altitude, vine age, care, balanced canopies, yet they could not deliver the wine that
was expected of them. At the same time, other sites, with poor management, ill design, and
young age, managed to deliver the most complex juice ever tasted. What was it that made
the wine so special?
To help answer this question, soil specialist Pedro Parra joined
Altos Las Hormigas in 2008, bringing interest and insight into
the unique terroirs of Mendoza through precision agriculture
and “terroir hunting.” The answer was found below the vines.
Parra’s extensive research of limestone soils in Mendoza
combined with the super palates of Attilio Pagli and Alberto
Antonini (over 20 years of winemaking experience with
Mendoza Malbec), has resulted in extensive mapping and
ranking of the Mendoza growing areas, identifying the most
optimal and exciting soils.
Mendoza soils are alluvial, having been formed by the action
of moving water derived from melted ice from the Andes
Mountains. The water, as it travels down from the Andes, drags different kinds of soil elements,
eventually depositing them en route to form the diverse soils throughout the ages. Each distinct
soil will result in a distinct wine. At its most basic, a region’s terroir is what cannot be replicated
anywhere else in the world.
Digging for Limestone
Macrozoning is first used in order to separate the different
alluvial and colluvial phenomena of each area. Pits are
dug in each prospective vineyard located in the desired
areas of the maps. Parra then analyzes each pit on
location. The Macrozoning program has allowed Altos
Las Hormigas to have a clear, scientific classification for
every vineyard in which grapes are sourced, and an
evaluation for the aging potential of each site.
Microzoning is a practice undertaken to rank blocks
of different soil profiles in a single location. It enables
the team to determine plots of high consistency and
specific character. This kind of research is applied only in
extraordinary sites and allows a row-by-row micro terroir
selection of grapes. The vineyard site is analyzed by
electrical conductivity and then by direct soil analysis.
The findings are then cross-referenced, to find the areas
with outstanding micro terroir features.
A Sense of Place
Finca Altos Las Hormigas (1) is situated in Luján de Cuyo facing the Andes to the east, protected
westward by a minor geological fold. Further west, terroir hunting has uncovered the most impressive
soils in the Uco Valley. These soils are found in the ancient riverbeds known as alluvial terraces. They
show a high active limestone content in deep stone layers with clay presence and good topsoil. The
most notable of these terraces are Vista Flores / Chacayes (2), Gualtallary (3), and Altamira(4).
A Sense of Place
Finca Altos Las Hormigas is situated in Luján de Cuyo
about 800 meters (2600 ft.) above sea level. Here, we
are looking for deep, fresh soils to delay ripening, and
avoid hydric stress. These are sandy loams where the
clay component provides mineral nutrients and water
retention, while the sand component prevents the silt and
clay part from compacting excessively, and guarantees
water drainage. The region produces concentrated,
fruit-forward Malbec with juicy black fruit.
Vista Flores is situated on a secondary terrace of the ancient river Arroyo Grande, located at
1250 meters in Valle de Uco, resulting in a unique alluvial soil profile rich in calcareous stone.
This rare and precious soil type, which constitutes less than 0.4% of Mendoza acreage, contains
a high percentage of active limestone. The Vista Flores terroir produces a distinct masculine
personality with present, chalky tannins, with plush black fruit and spice.
Gualtallary is the highest vineyard location in the Uco Valley, climbing from 1,100 meters to
1,600 meters high. It is the coolest appellation by oscillation, but with a slight slope, ripeness
can be achieved earlier than Altamira or Vista Flores. Soils are diverse, but microzoning has
resulted in discovering small areas of super calcareous gravels resulting in super fresh, floral
wines with beautiful acidity.
Altamira is a cool, windy micro region at 1105 meters in the southwest corner of the Uco Valley,
sitting on an alluvial shelf just below the Andes Mountain range. After extensive soil research,
super calcareous, gravely soils with 15% to 17% active limestone were discovered here. We are
so impressed with the micro-terroir that 55 hectares (136 acres) were purchased for a future
Estate property. This super calcareous terroir produces wines with depth, not as lateral as the
Vista Flores, with more acidic, bright fruit and flowers.
our story
For most of its existence in Argentina, Bonarda was grown and cultivated as blending wine since it could
provide big yields that maintained the color and fruitiness. Winemakers often blended this wine with lowgrade bulk wine, and for the most part, ignored Bonarda as a serious single varietal wine. However, in 2000
Alberto Antonini and Attilio Pagli, the winemakers of Bodega Altos Las Hormigas, fortuitously discovered the
potential of growing single varietal Bonarda in Mendoza. An early hailstorm had moved quickly and violently
through the region, naturally pruning the leaf canopy of a nearby Bonarda vineyard. The vineyard averted
major damage, but the harvest yielded only half the usual crop. Upon assessing the damage, the winemakers found that the remaining grapes had a surprising concentration and structure. The resulting wine was
beautiful, with gentle texture and lingering flavors. As Alberto recalls, he knew at that moment that he was
stuck on Bonarda.
Colonia Las Liebres was established as a sister brand to focus solely on the cultivation of the Bonarda grape.
Colonia las Liebres, which means Colony of Hares, depicts a wild hare. This image alludes to the personality
of the wine, one that springs from its place of origin, as that of the wild hare that roams our vines, effortlessly bringing along a sense of place.
The first Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda released to the market was the 2003 vintage. In 2005 twenty acres of
Estate vines were planted in Lujan de Cuyo. After 10 years of producing and experimenting with Bonarda as
a single varietal wine, the team continues to be dedicated supporters and ardent advocates of the future of
Bonarda in the global marketplace.
the bonarda grape
The Bonarda grape varietal in Argentina has experienced a contested and confused history. At one time
classified in Argentina as Bonarda Piemontese from Italy, recent studies contend that it is instead, an ancestor of Corbeau from Savoie, France. Recent genetic tests were conducted in order to compare the Argentine
rootstock to those of Piemontese and Corbeau, and the study found identical molecular markers to Corbeau.
This same grape is vinified in California and called Charbono.
Regardless of its origin and emigration, Bonarda has adapted extremely well to Argentina and today is considered its own grape identity. In 2011 the name Bonarda Argentina was accepted by the National Institute
of Viticulture, recognizing the distinct vitus vinifera varietal grown only in Argentina. It is the second most
planted grape in Argentina after Malbec and is quickly growing in recognition.
Historically, Bonarda has posed some challenges to viticulturists and winemakers. Bonarda has delicate skin,
and therefore requires protection from sunburns as well as good ventilation to avoid rot. High trellising with
a horizontal canopy, called “Parral” style, is often used for this reason, and has produced very positive results. This trellis system also tames plant vigor, providing the required space around the cluster.
The grape has a long vegetative cycle and very late maturity, so it thrives in Mendoza’s warm climate and
consistent, dry seasons. The vine also prospers in climates where nighttime temperatures drop dramatically,
facilitating acid development and retention.
The Portfolio - The Classics
Malbec Clasico, Mendoza: 100% Malbec blended from the best of the Eastern
regions of Lujan de Cuyo and Medrano. Deep, alluvial soils with excellent
drainage and low vigor give Malbec its intensity and flavor.
Malbec Terroir, Uco Valley: 100% Malbec. 100% Uco Valley. Grapes are sourced
from a blend of high density vineyards located in the sub regions of Vista
Flores, Altamira and San Carlos. These are fantastic alluvial soils but with limited
limestone presence.
Malbec Reserve, Uco Valley: 100% Malbec. 100% Uco Valley. 100% limestone.
Grapes are sourced from alluvial, gravelly soils located in Vista Flores/Chacayes
in the first alluvial terrace of the Arroyo Grande creek. Soils are selected for their
high content of active limestone, which contributes structure, texture and a long,
impressive finish.
Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda:100% Bonarda from parral-trellised vineyards
located in the areas of Me­drano and Carrizal de Abajo, Mendoza. The low
fertility soils help control vigor, and the deep soils with good drainage facilitate
root development. Unoaked to preserve the character of Bonarda.
The Portfolio - Vintage & Specialty Wines
Malbec Appellation, Vista Flores, Uco Valley: 100% Malbec. 100% Uco Valley. 80%
limestone. These grapes originate from the alluvial terraces of Vista Flores. This
wine is produced from limestone soils which give the wine minerality, complexity
and fine chalky tannins. The 5% clay structure expresses the luscious fruit flavor of
the Malbec.
Malbec Appellation, Gualtallary, Uco Valley: 100% Malbec. 100% Uco Valley. 5060% limestone gravels with a high percentage of free calcium carbonate. These
grapes originate from the alluvial terraces of Gualtallary. This is a powerhouse
wine with a strong backbone of fresh, chalky tannins. The clay structure
expresses the luscious fruit flavor of the Malbec, and has a strong, well-integrated
mouthfeel.
Malbec Appellation, Altamira, Uco Valley: 100% Malbec. 100% Uco Valley. 85%
limestone. These grapes originate from the alluvial terraces of Altamira. This wine
is produced from the best limestone soils granting minerality, complexity and fine
chalky tannins, while the 3% clay structure allows the fresh red fruit flavor of the
Malbec to show.
Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Brut Nature: 100% Bonarda. 100% Uco Valley. These
grapes come from the alluvial-calcareous soils of El Peral. Pressed immediately
upon arrival to the vineyard, this dry sparkling wine presents a lovely rosé color.
Second fermentation in bottle, and aged 6 months on lees, this sparkling is crisp
and fruity without yeasty notes.
Business
Altos Las Hormigas produces 1.200.000 bottle a
year, exported towards more than 50 countries.
We are very proud to be promoted by some of the most prestigious distributors in the wine
world, such as Michael Skurnik in NY, Liberty Wines in Londres, Mottox in Japon, World Wine La
Pastina in San Paolo, Dulmes in Buenos Aires, Vins du Monde in France, Angelo Gaja in Italy,
Arvid Nordquist in Sweden, etc.
We are present in many of the most exclusive restaurants and hotels around the world.
We are regularly displayed and recognized by the international, mainstream, wine and
gourmet press.
Points, Press & Awards
- Pedro Parra, PhD listed in 2013 ‘Top 50 Top Influencers In Wine’
- Two Gold Medals (Appellation Vista Flores ‘12 & Appellation Altamira ‘12): 2014 Decanter
Awards
- Gold Medal & Best Argentine Malbec Under £15 (Mallbec Clásico ‘12): 2013 Decanter
Awards
- Gold Medal (Malbec Clásico ‘10): 2011 Decanter Awards
- Four-time Top 100 Wines of the World Recipient (Malbec Reserve ‘11, Malbec Reserve ‘05,
Malbec Reserve ‘02, Malbec Reserve ‘01)
- Recognized three times as a ‘Smart Buy’ (Malbec Terroir ‘11, Malbec Terroir ‘10, Malbec
Reserve ‘04)
- Alberto Antonini named one of the ‘Top 10 Wine Consultants Of The World’
Points, Press & Awards
ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE/ROBERTPARKER.COM
- 94-96 Points: Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2012
- 93-95 Points: Malbec Appellation Altamira 2012
- 92-94 Points: Malbec Appellation Vista Flores 2012
- 92 Points: Malbec Appellation Vista Flores 2011
- 91 Points: Malbec Reserve 2005
- 90 Points: Malbec Reserve 2012
- 90 Points: Malbec Terroir
“Readers may be sure I will be buying these wines for my own cellar.”
“A tour de force Malbe.”
JAMES SUCKLING
- 94 Points: Malbec Appellation Altamira 2012
- 93 Points: Malbec Appellation Vista Flores 2012
- 92 Points: Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2012
- 91 Points: Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Reserva 2011
- 90 Points: Malbec Reserve 2012
- 90 Points: Malbec Terroir 2011
“This is on of the best Bonardas of the world.”
TIM ATKIN MW
- 96 Points: Malbec Appellation Altamira 2012
- 96 Points: Malbec Appellation Vista Flores 2012
- 96 Points: Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2012
- 94 Points: Malbec Reserve 2012
- 93 Points: Malbec Reserve 2011
- 92 Points: Malbec Terroir 2011
“…built to last and is ageing gracefully.”
JANCIS ROBINSON MW
Speaking of Altos Las Hormigas Malbecs 2012 vintage in her article, ‘Winemakers Do A UTurn’ - October 4, 2014
“Any wines from this vintage and this producer are exciting and already available...”
Contact Us
Press Inquiries:
Global Sales & Distribution:
Sales & Distribution USA:
Nicholas Berube
Communication & Marketing
Antonio Morescalchi
Vice President
Peter Steinhouse
Market Director
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Altos Las Hormigas
Cap. de Fragata Moyano 57, 5500 Mendoza, Argentina
(54) 261 424 3727
[email protected]
www.altoslashormigas.com
www.colonialasliebres.com
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Across the Globe: www.altosacrosstheglobe.com