Malbec Appellation Gualtallary – Expressive Wine from Uco Valley
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary – Expressive Wine from Uco Valley
Established in the mid-1990s, Altos Las Hormigas is a boutique winery managing roughly 40 hectares of vineyards located at 1,300 meters elevation in Argentina’s Uco Valley. The vineyards benefit from sandy-loamy soils rich in calcium carbonate and protection from the Andes against ocean winds.
The winery is run by four partners: Alberto Antonini, Attilio Pagli, Carlos Vazquez, and Antonio Morescalchi. Their focus lies on Malbec, Argentina’s signature grape, with special attention to terroir expression. The Malbec grapes come from the Gualtallary area.
Following fermentation in small tanks using native yeasts, the wine ages 18 months in untoasted oak foudres and spends another 12 months resting in the bottle.
The wine presents an intense deep ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas combine dark fruits like plum and blueberry with herbaceous and mineral nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it offers juicy, well-balanced flavors with firm, integrated tannins. The finish is long, highlighting fruity notes alongside a pronounced mineral streak.
For best enjoyment, decant for about 30 minutes before serving. This Malbec complements grilled meats beautifully.
Altos Las Hormigas Paraje Altamira Malbec – Mineral-Driven Wine from Premier Uco Valley Vineyard
Founded in 1995 in Mendoza by Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi, Altos Las Hormigas now extends over 206 hectares, including 40 hectares of vineyards. Supported by winemakers Attilio Pagli and Carlos Vazquez, the winery crafts Malbec from vineyards situated high in the Uco Valley, planted on soils rich in calcium carbonate conglomerate.
This terroir produces a Malbec that is less overtly fruity but notable for a distinct mineral salinity. After fermentation, the wine matures for 20 months in large foudres before bottling.
The wine is vivid purple in color with fragrant aromas of blackberries, plums, blueberries, complemented by balsamic and floral hints. On the palate, it is intense and well-balanced with smooth tannins and a long finish that carries rich mineral notes.
Decant for 30 minutes before serving. This wine pairs excellently with all kinds of grilled meats and is especially enjoyable alongside pulled pork.
Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir – Rich, Balanced California Red with Dark Fruit and Spice
This medium-bodied Pinot Noir shows a deep ruby color and a complex nose featuring blackberry, raspberry, ripe plum, cranberry, and subtle hints of chocolate, vanilla, and earthiness.
The wine delivers a layered palate of ripe red and black fruits combined with exotic spices and an earthy undertone that complements the oak-infused vanilla notes. Its ripe tannins integrate seamlessly with bright acidity, producing a well-balanced and flavorful experience.
Grapes are harvested early in the cool morning, hand-sorted, and undergo cold maceration in stainless steel tanks for up to two weeks. Only free-run juice is used, ensuring superior quality.
The wine spends nine months in French oak barrels, 60% of which are new, prior to bottling.
Decanting for two hours enhances the flavors. Enjoy this versatile wine solo or paired with salmon, pork, pasta, beef, or ham.
Angeline Reserve Pinot Noir – Elegant and Fruity Wine from Mendocino County
Owned by Courtney Benham of Martin Ray Vineyards & Winery, Angeline crafts quality California wines sourced from select growers. This Reserve Pinot Noir features grapes hand-picked from Mendocino County’s hilly vineyards.
Fermentation lasts between 8 and 12 days under controlled temperatures. The wine is aged 9 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
Bright ruby in color with crimson highlights, it reveals a complex nose of red and wild berries—blackberry, raspberry, cherry, blueberry—plus spicy, tea, and hibiscus floral notes.
On the palate, it is intense, concentrated, juicy, and soft, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Mineral undertones and a long, persistent finish with light spicy notes complete the profile.
Best opened about 30 minutes before serving. This Pinot Noir pairs well with pork, duck, and medium-aged cheeses.