EL ENEMIGO
CABERNET FRANC 2023 750ML
MENDOZA • ARGENTINA • THE REVOLUTION AND ELEGANCE OF HIGH-ALTITUDE CABERNET FRANC
"A modern masterpiece of Argentinian wine. A strictly dry red, endowed with an electrifying herbal freshness, silky chalky tannins and a wild mountain minerality."
Gualtallary Calcareous Soils, Aging in Ancient Foudres, and the 2023 Vintage
The El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2023 750ml Red Wine embodies the ultimate expression, tension, and elegance of high-altitude Mendocinian viticulture. Crafted by the acclaimed Aleanna winery —the personal project of legendary winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena— this cult red primarily hails from the coveted Gualtallary terroir, in the Uco Valley, at over 1,400 meters above sea level. On the palate, it reveals a strictly dry profile, where Cabernet Franc (masterfully blended with a slight touch of Malbec) displays vibrant and juicy acidity, finely textured chalky tannins, and a sumptuous nose characterized by fresh red fruits, roasted bell pepper, thyme, and subtle spicy notes. Aged in 100-year-old oak foudres, it maintains a pure and wild freshness with monumental longevity.
1. Technical Details
Producer / Winery: El Enemigo (Bodega Aleanna - Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Region of Origin: Gualtallary (Uco Valley) and El Cepillo, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2023 (Vibrant harvest with excellent phenolic ripeness, taut acidity, and great aromatic concentration).
Grape Variety: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec.
Wine Type: High-End Red Wine / High-Altitude Terroir Wine.
Flavor Classification: Dry (Structured, fresh, taut, with lively acidity, fine tannins, and a long mineral finish).
Winemaking and Aging: Fermentation in concrete vats and tanks with native yeasts. Several days of pre-fermentation cold maceration. Complete malolactic fermentation. Aged for 15 months in 100-year-old oak foudres imported from Alsace, respecting the fruit and the mineral expression of the soil.
Alcohol Content: 13.5% Vol.
Presentation: Traditional heavy Bordeaux bottle of 750 ml.
Serving Temperature: 15°C - 17°C. Decanting 20 to 30 minutes before serving is recommended to expand its aromatic layers.
SKU / MPN: AR-ENEMIGO-CABFRANC-2023
2. Luxury Tasting Notes
Appearance: Displays a dazzling deep ruby red color with intense violet and purple hues of great vibrancy and high concentration in the glass.
Nose: Extremely complex, fresh, and expressive nose. Prominent notes of blackcurrant, wild raspberry, and black cherry, perfectly intertwined with herbal aromas of thyme, cistus, roasted red pepper, freshly ground black pepper, and a chalky background evoking graphite and damp chalk.
Palate: Fluid, vertical, and strictly dry entry. On the palate, it shows a medium to full body with a firm tannic structure but a very elegant chalky texture. Its vibrant natural acidity provides exceptional agility, leading to a persistent, fresh, and profoundly fruity and spicy finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Moments and Pairings
High-End Gourmet Pairing: With its impressive juicy acidity, dry profile, and refined tannins, El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2023 is an extraordinarily versatile wine in haute cuisine. It is the ideal gastronomic partner for grilled red meat cuts (ribeye, sirloin, skirt steak, and picanha), charcoal-roasted Patagonian lamb with rosemary, baked goat, venison medallions, slow-cooked stews with red wine, and wild mushroom risotto. It also pairs sublimely with traditional Mendocinian empanadas, stuffed pasta with meat ragu, spit-roasted suckling pig, pressed duck, and semi-cured cheeses like Manchego, aged Gouda, or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Suggested Moments:
- Gourmet BBQ: The essential companion to elevate any high-end barbecue. Its fresh acidity and spicy notes majestically cut through the fat of the noblest cuts.
- Family Meal (Grand Gala): Presides over weekend family meals or festive banquets, pleasing both connoisseurs and those seeking a refined Mendocinian red.
- Business (VIP Deal Closing): An internationally renowned wine perfect for business dinners or lunches where the aim is to impress with a cult and globally prestigious label.
- Special Celebration: An excellent choice for toasting anniversaries, emblematic birthdays, graduations, and personal triumphs that require a memorable wine.
- Romantic Dinner: Accompanies candlelight dinners with game dishes or gourmet pasta, providing elegance, freshness, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- Summer (Cool Evenings and Nights): Served slightly chilled (at 15°C) on summer evenings outdoors or on exclusive terraces, it offers an enormously fluid and pleasant experience.
- The Perfect Gift: An iconic bottle respected by international critics (Parker, Suckling), ideal for surprising collectors and lovers of Argentinian wine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What is the specific origin and winery of this spirit?
This cult red is produced by the prestigious winery El Enemigo (Bodega Aleanna). Its specific origin is located in the high-mountain vineyards of Gualtallary (Uco Valley) and El Cepillo, in the province of Mendoza, Argentina.
Is this wine dry, semi-dry, or sweet?
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2023 is a strictly dry red wine. It lacks perceptible residual sugars; all its roundness comes from the ripe high-altitude fruit and its refined aging in historical foudres.
What is the aging potential of the 2023 vintage?
It possesses an exceptional aging potential of 10 to 15 years. Thanks to Gualtallary's natural acidity and its firm tannic structure, it will evolve towards even more complex nuances of leather, tobacco, and undergrowth if stored in optimal cellar conditions.
Is it necessary to decant El Enemigo Cabernet Franc before serving?
It is recommended to decant or aerate it in the glass 20 to 30 minutes before consumption. This allows the wine to release its herbal, floral, and spicy layers, softening the chalky mineral tannins.