EL ENEMIGO
CABERNET FRANC 2023
GUALTALLARY • MENDOZA • ARGENTINA
"High-altitude Cabernet Franc: herbal freshness, chalky tannins and mountain minerality."
Quick Facts
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2023 is a red from Gualtallary (Valle de Uco, Mendoza) by Alejandro Vigil, with 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec. It is dry, fresh and mineral, with fine chalky tannins.
- Type: dry red, 750 ml, 13.5% vol.
- Origin: Gualtallary (Valle de Uco) and El Cepillo, Mendoza, Argentina
- Grapes: Cabernet Franc (85%) and Malbec (15%), vintage 2023
- Aging: about 15 months in French oak foudres
- Service: 15 °C to 17 °C, aerate 20 to 30 minutes
- Shipping and returns: free from $1,499 MXN; 90 days at no cost
Limestone Soils and Foudres in Gualtallary
Aleanna, the project of Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, makes this Cabernet Franc with grapes from Gualtallary, in the Valle de Uco, at more than 1,400 meters of altitude. With 15% Malbec, it shows vibrant, juicy acidity, fine-grained chalky tannins and a nose of red fruit, roasted pepper and thyme. It is aged in French oak foudres, to protect the fruit and the mineral expression of the soil. Buy it at La Cava Shop with free shipping from $1,499 MXN and discover more Cabernet Franc wines and wines of Argentina.
1. Technical Details
Winery: El Enemigo (Bodega Aleanna, Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena).
Origin: Gualtallary (Valle de Uco) and El Cepillo, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2023.
Grapes: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec.
Winemaking: Fermentation with native yeasts, prior cold maceration and full malolactic fermentation.
Aging: About 15 months in French oak foudres.
Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
Format: 750 ml. SKU: AR-ENEMIGO-CABFRANC-2023
2. Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with violet and purple hues.
Nose: Blackcurrant, wild raspberry and black cherry, with thyme, roasted red pepper and black pepper, over a limestone background of graphite and wet chalk.
Palate: Fluid, vertical entry, medium to full body, with firm, fine-textured tannic structure and lively acidity. A persistent, fresh, fruity and spicy finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Moments
Pairing: Grilled red meat cuts (ribeye, skirt steak, picana), roast lamb with rosemary, kid goat, slow stews, mushroom risotto, Mendoza-style empanadas, pasta with ragù and semi-aged cheeses such as Manchego or Parmigiano Reggiano. See the guide to wines for fatty cuts.
- Carne asada: its fresh acidity and spicy notes cut the fat of noble cuts.
- Family meal: for barbecues and weekend banquets.
- Romantic dinner: with game dishes or gourmet pasta.
- Gift: an iconic bottle of contemporary Argentine wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2023?
It is a red from Gualtallary, in the Valle de Uco (Mendoza), by Alejandro Vigil at Bodega Aleanna, with 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec. It stands out for its herbal freshness, fine chalky tannins and high-altitude minerality.
Is this wine dry, off-dry or sweet?
It is dry. It has no perceptible residual sugar: its roundness comes from ripe high-altitude fruit and foudre aging.
What cellaring potential does the 2023 vintage have?
It can evolve for 10 to 15 years in the cellar, thanks to its natural acidity and tannic structure, toward notes of leather, tobacco and forest floor.
Does it need decanting?
It is best aerated or decanted for 20 to 30 minutes and served between 15 °C and 17 °C, so its herbal, floral and spicy notes open up.
Where can I buy El Enemigo Cabernet Franc in Mexico?
At La Cava Shop, with free shipping from $1,499 MXN and 90 days for free returns.