{"title":"Altos Los Hormigas","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"altos-los-hormigas-malbec-classsic-750ml","title":"Altos Los Hormigas Malbec Classsic","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAltos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Aged exclusively in concrete vats with no oak influence, this wine has earned a 92-point score from Decanter and 92\/100 from Patricio Tapia in Descorchados, reinforcing its reputation as a benchmark for terroir-driven Argentine Malbec at an accessible price point.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec  |  Producer: Altos Las Hormigas\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAltos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by a group of Italian winemakers — including Alberto Antonini — who recognized the potential of Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards for Malbec. The Malbec Classic is sourced from vineyards across the Uco Valley, one of Argentina's most prized sub-regions for the grape, where elevation and diurnal temperature shifts produce concentrated, structured fruit. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts, and the wine is then aged for a minimum of nine months in concrete vats. The deliberate absence of oak aging preserves the purity of the fruit and allows the terroir's mineral character — particularly its graphite-like notes — to emerge without interference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with fresh red plums and ripe strawberries, followed by black cherry and violets. Crushed herbs and a subtle peppermint undertone add complexity beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and immediate, driven by plum and red berry flavors with great intensity. At mid-palate, a silky texture emerges alongside a distinct pepper note, while graphite minerality adds depth and structure. The overall impression is one of fruit purity balanced by a savory, earthy backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, with lingering red fruit and a clean mineral edge. The absence of oak tannins leaves the finish fresh and focused, carrying a trace of spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Malbec drinks well at a light cellar temperature of around 60–64°F (16–18°C), served in a large-bowled glass to let the aromatics open up. Its fruit-forward profile and lack of heavy oak tannins also make it a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink ingredient. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola over ice) works surprisingly well here, as the wine's berry fruit and minerality hold up against the sweetness. A classic \u003cstrong\u003ered wine sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the Malbec's plum and strawberry notes as a base. And a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e — bourbon sour floated with red wine — gains depth from this wine's silky texture and graphite edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners with grilled red meats or roasted vegetables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to high-quality Argentine Malbec without sticker shock\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a case of everyday wines with genuine terroir character\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a casual asado or backyard barbecue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with juicy red plum and berry flavors, supported by violets, a hint of black pepper, and a distinctive graphite minerality that comes from concrete aging and Uco Valley terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic compare to Catena Malbec?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are well-regarded Mendoza Malbecs, but Altos Las Hormigas uses concrete vats exclusively — no oak — resulting in a more fruit-pure, mineral-driven style. Catena Malbec typically sees oak aging, which lends vanilla and toast notes and a rounder tannic structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its silky texture, bright acidity, and clean fruit make it a satisfying wine to drink neat, especially at a cool cellar temperature where the aromatics are most expressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Altos Las Hormigas in the Uco Valley, a high-altitude sub-region of Mendoza, Argentina, known for producing some of the country's most terroir-expressive Malbecs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled flank steak or skirt steak, where the wine's acidity cuts through charred fat. Roasted lamb with herbs, which echoes the wine's herbal aromatics. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or Pecorino, which complement the graphite minerality. Empanadas with spiced beef filling match the wine's pepper note. Grilled portobello mushrooms bring out the earthy, savory undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level expression within the Altos Las Hormigas portfolio and within the broader category of premium Argentine Malbec, yet it consistently earns scores of 90–92 points from respected critics — a strong value proposition at this tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Classic?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe decision to age entirely in concrete, with no oak whatsoever, is what sets this wine apart from the majority of Malbecs on the market. That production choice, combined with indigenous yeast fermentation, creates a transparent window into Uco Valley terroir — the graphite minerality, the bright red fruit, the floral lift — without any winemaking mask. Scores of 92 from both Decanter and Descorchados confirm that this minimalist approach delivers serious quality. For anyone seeking a Malbec that tastes of where it comes from rather than what barrel it sat in, this is the bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Altos Los Hormigas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836706549929,"sku":"20897","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/altos-los-hormigas-malbec-classsic__62828.jpg?v=1730467170"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/altos-los-hormigas.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}