El Enemigo : Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2021

The liveliness and structure of a great Argentine wine

The estate

Founded in 2008 in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, El Enemigo was born from the collaboration between historian Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolás Catena, and oenologist Alejandro Vigil, technical director of Catena Zapata since 2002. These current owners stand out for their philosophical approach to wine, primarily cultivating cabernet franc on high-altitude clay and limestone soils. Their cuvée Gran Enemigo Gualtallary received 100 points from Robert Parker in 2013 and 2019, cementing this iconic estate in Mendoza.

The vineyard

Situated in Gualtallary in the Tupungato region, this exceptional vineyard in Mendoza thrives at 1,470 meters altitude. Cabernet franc prospers on rocky limestone soils while malbec takes root in deep, stony limestone soils, providing ideal conditions for the expression of these noble grape varieties.

The vintage

The year 2021 was marked by relative coolness with slightly increased rainfall. The climatic conditions resulted in 15 to 20% fewer degree days compared to 2020, while maintaining normal yields for the red varieties. This particular weather allowed for grapes of excellent quality and perfect health, showing great concentration, ripe skins, moderate sugars, and optimal acidity.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of the Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2021 takes place in concrete vats with a controlled fermentation temperature averaging 23°C. The process begins with a 4-day cold maceration, followed by a total maceration of 26 days. The winemaking includes 40% whole clusters, and the harvest is spread over five different periods lasting 1.5 months. The aging is carried out over 15 months in concrete vats, thus preserving the purity and expression of the terroir.

Grape varieties

This Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2021 is a Blend of 85% cabernet franc and 15% malbec.