Winemaker Notes
This luminous cherry colored Malbec with pink hues offers a delicate first nose of red currant, minty blackberry leaves and tenuous smoky notes. Aromas of passion fruit, accompanied by gentle white pepper complete its cheerful bouquet. This is confirmed on the palate in a light bodied, silky wine with very delicate tannins, along with mango and crunchy plum notes. On the finish, sweet spices and dried herbs linger with a fleshy, natural acidity, which makes Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico the perfect pairing for light cuisine or white meat.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This shows notes of cherries and red plums with hints of sweet spices and stone. Medium-bodied and textural with a mineral backbone and vivid red fruit. Dusty tannins and a polished finish. An easy and smooth malbec that shows freshness and poise.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.