2012 Altos Las Hormigas, Valle de Uco Malbec Reserve

Malbec is hand-picked from 100% calcareous soil of Uco Valley, limestones over alluvial deposits of the Tunuyan River in Altamira, the alluvial terrace of Arroyo Grande in Vista Flores, and the alluvial with calcareous highlands of Gualtallary. The terraces contain medium pebbles with occasional boulders covering calcium carbonate paste of around 7-10% active lime which contributes structure, texture and a long, impressive finish.

WINEMAKING

Grapes were harvested by hand with delicate and conscious bunch selection. The destemmed berries were loaded by gravity to allow a gentle breaking of skins. During fermentation, pigeage and a very gentle treatment were used on the cap to avoid over extraction. The juice fermented using native yeast, with no corrections of tartaric acid. The wine was matured in 3,500 ltr untoasted Foudres for 18 months, and six months in the bottle. There was a coarse filtration prior to bottling, to ensure no interference with the quality of the wine.

This wine is opaque purple with highlights of bright ruby. The nose is filled with plum, raspberries, chocolate and a touch of leather. This wine offers a strong,

well-structured palate. Intense red and blue fruit encompass your mouth drawing to a long, mineral and elegant finish. Pure expression of the small

calcareous areas of Vista Flores, Gualtallary and Altamira.