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El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2022
El Enemigo was founded in 2007 by Adrianna Catena, historian and daughter of Nicolás Catena, together with renowned winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux while remaining firmly rooted in the high altitude terroirs of Mendoza, the winery has become one of Argentina's modern icons. The name, meaning "The Enemy," refers to the internal struggle to overcome doubt and complacency in pursuit of excellence, a philosophy reflected in every wine they produce.
The vineyards are located primarily in Gualtallary, one of Mendoza's most celebrated high elevation regions, where vines grow at nearly 4,800 feet above sea level on deep limestone and rocky soils. The combination of intense mountain sunlight, cool nights, and calcareous soils produces grapes with exceptional freshness, concentration, and mineral character. The vineyards are certified sustainable, grapes are harvested by hand, and fermentations rely on indigenous yeasts to preserve the individuality of the site.
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2022 is a blend of 90 percent cabernet franc and 10 percent malbec from Gualtallary. Following a 22 day fermentation with native yeasts, the wine undergoes an additional 15 day infusion with minimal extraction before aging for 15 months in a combination of foudre, French oak barrels, and stainless steel tanks. This balanced approach allows the purity of the fruit and the distinctive limestone driven character of Gualtallary to remain at the forefront while adding subtle texture and complexity.
The 2022 vintage is remarkably fresh and poised, reflecting what Alejandro Vigil has called one of Mendoza's finest harvests. Aromas of black currant, plum, raspberry, black pepper, tobacco leaf, and dried herbs lead into a palate that is both energetic and refined. Fine grained tannins, vibrant acidity, and notes of cedar, graphite, and crushed stone carry through a long, mineral driven finish, making this an elegant and age worthy expression of cabernet franc that pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb, mushroom dishes, or hard cheeses.
