EL ENEMIGO
SYRAH-VIOGNIER 2020
BODEGA ALEANNA
GUALTALLARY • ARGENTINA
"The perfect alchemy: where the strength of the earth meets the perfume of the wind in a cult blend."
The Rhone Style in the Andean Heights
The El Enemigo Syrah-Viognier 2020 is an exotic piece within the winery's portfolio. Alejandro Vigil uses the co-fermentation of both varieties to achieve a unique chemical and sensory integration. Born in the calcareous soils of Gualtallary, this wine stands out for its spicy and wild profile, tamed by the floral elegance of the Viognier. Its time in old wooden foudres allows the mineral character of the terroir to shine, offering a red wine of great personality, vertical freshness, and a velvety texture that challenges the standards of conventional Syrah. Purchase it with fast and secure shipping directly at La Cava Shop.
1. Identity Profile
Specific Origin: Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,470 masl).
Winery: Aleanna (El Enemigo).
Composition: 93% Syrah, 7% Viognier (Co-fermented).
Aging: 15 months in 100-year-old French oak foudres.
Profile: Northern Rhone Style (Côte-Rôtie).
SKU: EE-SYR-VIO-2020-750
Volume: 750 ml.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Deep garnet red with bright purple hues.
Nose: An explosion of black pepper, cloves, and black olives, wrapped in a perfume of white flowers, apricots, and violets provided by the Viognier. Hints of smoke and leather appear in the background.
Palate: Elegant and fresh entry. The tannins are firm but very fine-grained. It presents a fruity juiciness balanced by a mineral acidity that gives it great persistence and an unforgettable spicy finish.
3. Architecture of El Enemigo Syrah-Viognier
4. Pairing and Recommendations
Gastronomy: Its spicy profile makes it the ideal companion for lamb dishes with aromatic herbs, game meats, duck à l'orange, or Middle Eastern cuisine (kebabs, spiced dishes). It also pairs excellently with sheep cheeses and smoked charcuterie.
Service: Serve at a temperature of 16°C to 18°C. Decanting for 30 minutes is recommended to allow the floral and spicy notes to fully open up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Syrah blended with a white grape like Viognier?
This traditional technique from the French Rhone allows the Viognier to stabilize the color of the Syrah and contribute exotic floral notes, softening the power of the red and adding a silky texture on the palate.
What characterizes the 2020 vintage for this wine?
2020 was a warm and dry year that allowed for exceptional flavor concentration, while maintaining freshness thanks to the altitude of Gualtallary, resulting in a very aromatic and structured Syrah.
Is it a sweet wine because it contains Viognier?
No, it is a dry red wine. The Viognier is used in a small proportion to provide perfume and fix the color, not to add sugar.
What does "co-fermented" mean?
It means that the Syrah and Viognier grapes are processed and fermented together in the same tank from the beginning, achieving a much more intimate union than if they were blended after fermentation.
How long can I cellar it?
Thanks to its acidity and structure, the 2020 Syrah-Viognier has excellent aging potential of 8 to 10 years under optimal conditions.