Altos Las Hormigas Valle de Uco Malbec Reserve 2017 Wine, 75 cl

• Full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated natural acidity
• Its chalky yet plush tan­nins display the signature of Uco Valley’s limestone terraces and deliver a remarkable persistence
• This Malbec stands out for its lavish volume and recognisable expression

This Malbec opens with a bouquet of black fruits and subtle spices. After some time in the glass, lush black cherry and blackberry scents lead to floral aromas and hints of cinnamon in a sophisticated balance. Full-bodied and velvety, with well-integrated natural acidity. Its chalky yet plush tannins display the signature of Uco Valley’s limestone terraces and deliver a remarkable persistence. This Malbec stands out for its lavish volume and recognisable expression. The grapes are hand picked in high density vineyards located in Vista Flores/Chacayes in the Valle de Uco. Soils here are alluvial with a high content of active limestone. Yields are 6.3 tonnes per hectare. Vintage 2011 saw a mild and dry winter with low relative humidy. Precipitation in the Andes was the lowest experienced in the last 25 years and the weather remained dry and warm throughout December. January was cool and brought brief, heavy rains, though the rest of the summer was dry and not too warm, producing optimal sugar levels in the fruit. Health of the grapes was exceptional, resulting in very good, concentrated wines. Grapes from different plots were vinified separately before the final blend. The destemmed and softly pressed grapes went into small stainless steel tanks for two days at 10 degree C for cold maceration. Alcoholic fermentation then began using native yeasts whilst cap management was conducted with rack-and-returns. The time between crushing and pressing was approximately 20 days. Immediately after malolactic fermentation the wine was moved to tight grain, French oak barrels (20% new) for two years. It comes with the vintage information as follows: Vintage: 2011; Grape varieties: 100% Malbec; Region: Luján de Cuyo, Argentina; Winemaker: Alberto Antonini/Attilio Pagli; Closure: Natural Cork; Alcohol (ABV): 14.50%; Acidity: 5.2g/l; Residual Sugar: 2.1g/l; Wine pH: 3.9.