Altos Las Hormigas Wines (Argentina)
In 1995, Alberto Antonini, a Tuscan winemaker, and Antonio Morescalchi a young entrepreneur, visited major viticultural areas of Argentina.
They returned powerfully impressed by the potential of Malbec in the Mendoza appellation, and felt certain that they had found what they were looking for. The next step came that year and 216 hectars were bought in the the township of Lujan de Cuyo. Shortly after this, some other old time friends, enthused by the idea, joined the enterprise: Attilio Pagli, another well known Tuscan wine maker; Marco de Grazia, a well known negotiant of fine Italian wines; Alan Scerbanenko, a Swiss management counselor; and last, but not least, Antonio Terni, Italo-Argentine Bob Dylan aficionado, who produces top quality wines in the Marche region of Italy. To this day we are all amazed at how a company so numerous, diverse and composed of personalities who are not inclined to compromise, works so well and in such harmony.
The property is situated in the township of Lujan de Cuyo, on a gentle slope at about 800 meters above sea level, facing the Andes range in the East, protected westward by a minor geological fold. The estate's total area is 206 hectares, 40 of which planted. The vineyards have a density of over 4,000 plants per hectare, and were planted between 1996 and 1999, free of root stock and raised with the guyot method.
At the heart of the property stands the 2,000 square meter cellar with its capacity for 7,500 hectolitres plus approximately 1,125 hectolitre capacity in small oak.
Completed in 2001, the cellar was designed to have minimal impact on the territory, respecting the local traditional architecture. Inside, however, it is designed to achieve the very best technical conditions, such as temperature control, hygienic impeccability and a streamlined functionality with respect to all wine making processes. Indeed, sobriety and functionality have been our guidelines in every respect.
Please visit www.altoslashormigas.com for more information.