Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda Colonia Las Liebres 2024 | Mendoza

🌍 Wine Region

The Colonia Las Liebres vineyard in Mendoza represents one of Argentina’s most exciting terroirs for Bonarda. Located at 1,050 meters elevation in the Uco Valley, this historic site benefits from dramatic diurnal temperature variations and alluvial soils rich in limestone. The 2024 vintage captured the essence of this unique microclimate, where cool nights preserve the grape’s natural acidity while warm days ensure optimal ripeness. This combination creates Bonarda wines of exceptional balance and complexity, challenging the variety’s reputation as merely a blending grape.

👨‍🌾 Winemaker Story

Altos Las Hormigas has pioneered the renaissance of Bonarda in Argentina since 1995. Founded by Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini and Argentine viticulturist Antonio Morescalchi, the winery champions minimal intervention winemaking and terroir expression. Their philosophy centers on revealing each vineyard’s unique character, particularly in Colonia Las Liebres, where century-old Bonarda vines produce concentrated, complex fruit. The team’s dedication to organic farming practices and respect for traditional techniques has elevated this 2024 Bonarda to new heights of elegance and authenticity.

⚗️ Production Techniques

The 2024 Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda undergoes meticulous hand-harvesting in early April, with careful selection of only the finest clusters. Fermentation occurs in concrete tanks using indigenous yeasts, preserving the wine’s natural character and terroir expression. The wine ages for 12 months in large French oak foudres, allowing gentle micro-oxygenation without overwhelming the delicate Bonarda fruit. This traditional approach, combined with modern temperature control, results in a wine that balances power and finesse, showcasing why Mendoza Bonarda deserves recognition among the world’s great red wines.

💡 Fun Facts

Did you know that Bonarda is actually Argentina’s second most planted red grape variety, yet remained largely unknown until pioneers like Altos Las Hormigas revealed its potential? The Colonia Las Liebres vineyard name translates to “Hare Colony,” referencing the abundant wildlife that thrives in this organic ecosystem. This 2024 vintage marks a milestone as one of the earliest harvests on record, resulting in wines of exceptional freshness and vibrancy. The winery’s ant logo symbolizes teamwork and dedication - values reflected in every bottle of this remarkable Mendoza Bonarda.