Description

Score: 99 James Suckling

“Black licorice, iodine, and blackberries on the nose, with notes of nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with great structure, yet refined and precise. Extremely long and compelling, showing both energy and elegance. The glacial soils and the vineyard’s western exposure make this wine truly special.”
— James Suckling

WINERY DESCRIPTION

In the Maipú department, 30 kilometers from Mendoza—the capital of Argentina’s most renowned wine province—lies the bucolic area of Cruz de Piedra, locally and ironically known as the “Republic of Chachingo.” It was here, in 2009, that Adrianna Catena, Doctor of History from Oxford University and daughter of Nicolás Catena, joined forces with Alejandro Vigil, the acclaimed winemaker and technical director of Catena Zapata, to establish their winery project. The young winery, named Aleanna, soon became widely known by the name of its wines: El Enemigo.

TECHNICAL SHEET

• Winery: El Enemigo
• Score: 99 James Suckling
• Type: Red Wine
• Varietal: Cabernet Franc
• Blend: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec
• Aging: 15 months in 100-year-old oak foudres
• Winemaker: Alejandro Vigil
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Region: El Cepillo, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,300 m a.s.l.)
• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (61–64°F)
• Country: Argentina
• Food Pairing: Red meats, pork, poultry, grilled and smoked dishes, asado, soft and aged cheeses, onion-based sauces, mushrooms, legumes, black pepper sauces, herb-seasoned dishes, exotic spices, starch-based dishes
• Aging Potential: Over 10 years