Altos Las Hormigas

Altos Las Hormigas was established in 1995 by Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi, making it one of Argentina's earliest dedicated Malbec producers. The founding vineyard was planted in Luján de Cuyo between 1996 and 1997. The winery takes its name from the large ant colonies discovered on the property during that initial planting, a detail that became central to its identity. The first commercial vintage followed in 1997, at a time when the idea of a single-minded Malbec specialist was still a novelty in Argentina.

• Founded 1995 by Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi
• Vineyard established 1996-1997 in Luján de Cuyo
• Name derives from local ant colonies (hormigas) found during planting
• First vintage released 1997

The estate spans 206 total hectares, with plantings divided across several of Mendoza's most acclaimed terroir zones, including Luján de Cuyo, Paraje Altamira, Altamira, and Gualtallary. Elevations range from 1,105 meters in Paraje Altamira to 1,300 meters in Gualtallary. Soils vary by site but include alluvial soils with large boulders, limestone, and calcareous profiles with 7 to 10 percent active limestone content. The Jardín de Hormigas vineyard, acquired in 2011 and planted in 2017, covers 32 hectares and was developed based on detailed terroir mapping conducted by soil specialist Pedro Parra. It contains 22 distinct soil plots reflecting 23 soil types, and 40 percent of the vineyard is reserved for native flora to support biodiversity.

• Vineyards span Luján de Cuyo, Paraje Altamira, Altamira, and Gualtallary
• Elevations range from 1,105m to 1,300m above sea level
• Soils include alluvial boulders, limestone, and calcareous profiles with 7-10% active limestone
• Jardín de Hormigas contains 22 distinct soil plots across 32 hectares, mapped by Pedro Parra

Malbec is the core focus, with 40 hectares planted to the variety on the main estate. Additional varieties include Bonarda (5.6 hectares), Cabernet Franc (3.5 hectares), Semillon, Chenin Blanc, and Pedro Giménez. The winery's stylistic philosophy centers on terroir expression, minerality, and freshness, with minimal oak intervention. The high-altitude, cool, windy mountain climate keeps aromatics precise and acidity lively, resulting in wines that diverge from the riper, more heavily oaked Malbec style that dominated Argentine wine in earlier decades.

• 40 hectares of Malbec on the main estate; also grows Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc, and Pedro Giménez
• Style is terroir-driven and mineral-forward with minimal oak influence
• Cool, high-altitude mountain climate preserves freshness and acidity
• Also produces a Blanco white wine blend

All vineyards are certified organic, and biodynamic farming practices are applied across the estate. Soil specialist Pedro Parra has been integral to the terroir identification and vineyard development strategy, particularly for the Jardín de Hormigas project. Federico Gambetta was appointed winemaker in 2020 and achieved 100-point scores by 2021. The winery facility covers 2,000 square meters with a production capacity of 16,000 hectolitres and an oak aging capacity of 900 hectolitres.

• Certified organic vineyards with biodynamic farming practices
• Soil specialist Pedro Parra guides terroir identification and vineyard mapping
• Federico Gambetta appointed winemaker 2020; 100-point wines achieved by 2021
• 2,000 sqm winery with 16,000 hl production capacity and 900 hl oak capacity