El Enemigo : Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Notes for the Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2022 by El Enemigo

Tasting

Appearance
The colour reveals a rich, deep purple hue, enhanced by a particularly brilliant disc.

Nose
Highly complex, the aromatic bouquet opens with notes of mountain herbs, sage and dill. It then reveals delicate aromas of red fruits, redcurrant, blue fruits and violet, lifted by a subtle peppery touch.

Palate
The palate offers a texture that is both airy, juicy and delicate. Carried by vibrant acidity and finely sculpted tannins, the palate stands out for its crystalline precision and saline tension, extending into an intensely mineral, chalky finish.

Food and Wine Pairing
This cuvée pairs wonderfully with high-quality red meats, such as thinly sliced, briefly seared beef, aged cuts or a traditional asado. It also complements creative dishes beautifully, such as roasted root vegetables, grilled mushrooms, as well as fine poultry and game.

Serving and Cellaring
With exceptional ageing potential, this Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2022 can be cellared for several decades.

An Exceptional Cabernet Franc from the Argentine Heights of Mendoza by El Enemigo

The Estate
Born in 2009 from a walk along the banks of the Thames, the El Enemigo estate is the fruit of the shared passion of Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, its current owners. Located in the Mendoza region of Argentina, this estate stands out for its determination to move away from commercial standards in favour of authentic wines. Far more than a simple brand, the project is built around the Casa Vigil and the Vista Flores winery, becoming an essential reference for its high-altitude cuvées, blending European winemaking heritage with the unique identity of Andean terroirs.

The Vineyard
The vines behind this cuvée are located in Gualtallary, in the Tupungato sub-region at the heart of the Uco Valley, in Mendoza. Planted at 1,470 metres above sea level, this extreme terroir benefits from a very high planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare. The soils, of oceanic origin, are limestone and stony for the Cabernet Franc, while the Malbec thrives on deeper limestone soils, encouraging a pronounced minerality.

The Vintage
2022 is considered an exceptional year for the region. Climatic conditions allowed for remarkable concentration, optimal polyphenol ripeness and perfect acidity, all while maintaining moderate alcohol levels. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil has even described this vintage as the best he has ever experienced.

Winemaking and Ageing
The Gran Enemigo "Gualtallary" 2022 is crafted with a gentle approach to preserve the expression of the terroir. Fermentation takes place in concrete vats at an average temperature of 23°C, incorporating 40% whole clusters. The process includes a four-day cold pre-fermentation maceration followed by a long forty-day infusion with minimal intervention. Finally, the wine is aged for fifteen months, exclusively in concrete vats.

Grape Varieties
This blend is composed of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec.