Altos Las Hormigas is an Argentine producer founded by friends Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi, who arrived in Mendoza in 1995 and have built one of the country's leading wineries over nearly three decades. What sets them apart is their obsessive focus on soil mapping and terroir expression: working with soil expert Pedro Parra, they've identified exceptional vineyard parcels throughout Mendoza that hold organic certification, and use distinct growing conditions to create wines that reveal the character of each location rather than chase a single style.

About Altos Las Hormigas

The estate's reputation rests on understanding how soil composition shapes flavour. From Luján de Cuyo's silty and limestone soils, they produce fresh, fruit-driven Malbecs with fine tannins and dark purple colour. The high-elevation, calcareous sites of Vistaflores, Altamira and Gualtallary in the Uco Valley each contribute distinctive perfumes and mouth-filling textures that reflect their individual terroir. This precision approach—identifying the right fruit from the right site for each wine—is fundamental to their philosophy.

Winemaking philosophy centres on minimal intervention and biodynamic farming practices. Federico Gambetta, appointed winemaker in 2020, immediately elevated the cellar: within a year, his refined cellar work had achieved exceptional quality with multiple 100-point scores, marking a new chapter for the winery. The combination of certified organic vineyards, careful handling during harvest, and thoughtful ageing in untoasted French oak foudres and concrete tanks allows the fruit and terroir to speak clearly. Through constant pursuit of quality and an unwavering commitment to experimentation, Alberto and Antonio have positioned their estate among South America's finest Malbec producers, earning trust from collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

Altos Las Hormigas Wines in Our Collection

The range spans accessible entry points to serious single-vineyard expressions. Start with the 2023 Organic Mendoza Malbec Clásico (91pts Descorchados)—a fresh, fruit-driven wine from Luján de Cuyo that shows the producer's quality at an approachable level. For more structure and complexity, the 2022 Uco Valley Malbec Reserve (92pts James Suckling, 95pts Descorchados, 93pts Tim Atkin) is aged 18 months in large French oak foudres plus concrete, then 12 months in bottle, delivering depth without heaviness. The single-vineyard Appellation Gualtallary Malbecs (2021: 95pts James Suckling, 96pts Descorchados; 2022: 95pts James Suckling, 96pts Robert Parker) and Appellation Altamira Malbecs (2020: 96pts James Suckling, 97pts Tim Atkin; 2021: 97pts James Suckling and Tim Atkin) represent the pinnacle of their terroir-driven work.

Food Pairing

The Malbec Clásico suits grilled lamb, beef empanadas and hard cheeses. The Reserve works beautifully with braised beef, mushroom risotto and aged Gruyère. Single-vineyard Gualtallary and Altamira expressions—with their floral notes and fine tannins—pair exceptionally well with duck breast, chorizo, herb-rubbed venison and goat's cheese. The Blanco complements fresh seafood, salads with goat's cheese, and light vegetable dishes with olive oil and herbs.

What makes Altos Las Hormigas different from other Mendoza producers?

They work with soil expert Pedro Parra to identify distinct vineyard sites and express terroir through each wine. Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, and organic certification across most vineyards separate their approach from volume-focused competitors.

Which wines offer the best introduction to the producer?

The 2023 Organic Mendoza Malbec Clásico (91pts) is fresh and approachable. For more depth, try the 2022 Uco Valley Malbec Reserve (92–95pts across critics). Both reflect the house style at different intensity levels.

Are the single-vineyard Malbecs worth the price premium?

Yes. Gualtallary and Altamira expressions score 93–97pts consistently across major critics, reflecting Federico Gambetta's 2020+ winemaking elevation and distinct high-altitude terroir expression unavailable in the Clásico or Reserve.

Who makes Altos Las Hormigas wines?

Altos Las Hormigas was founded by friends Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi, who arrived in Mendoza in 1995. Federico Gambetta has served as winemaker since 2020, overseeing cellar work and quality.

What style of wine does Altos Las Hormigas make?

Altos Las Hormigas specialises in Malbec from Mendoza's distinct terroirs. Their wines are bold and structured, with minimal intervention and organic certification. The 2022 Uco Valley Malbec Reserve scores 92 points.