Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard 2019 - El Enemigo

Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard 2019 – El Enemigo

El Enemigo is the project of Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, created to explore Mendoza's high-altitude terroirs. Gran Enemigo Gualtallary is its signature wine: a red inspired by the Pomerol of old, when Cabernet Franc was blended with the other Bordeaux varieties.

The grapes come from a single vineyard in Gualtallary, in the Uco Valley, at around 1,450 metres, on deep, calcareous and stony soils, farmed organically. Cabernet Franc is joined by a share of Malbec; the wine is made between the Catena family winery and Vigil's own barrel room in Chachingo, and aged in French oak.

The 2019 is fresh and taut: crunchy red fruit, black pepper, herbs and eucalyptus, with the dense, firm tannins typical of limestone soils. It is one of South America's most celebrated reds, able to stand alongside the great European blends. With grilled meats, lamb or rib steak.

At a glance: Cabernet Franc 85%, Malbec 15% · 14% ABV · 0.75 l · El Enemigo, Gualtallary (Mendoza)