GRAN ENEMIGO
AGRELO 2011
SINGLE VINEYARD • COLLECTOR'S GEM • ARGENTINA
"The nobility of time in Agrelo: a monumental Cabernet Franc that proves great wines only get better with age."
The Contemporary Classic
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Agrelo 2011 is one of the most sought-after labels by enthusiasts of Alejandro Vigil's style. Agrelo, Mendoza's historic area par excellence, delivers in this bottle a wine with a broader and more generous profile than its Uco Valley siblings. Patiently aged in foudres, this 2011 exemplar has withstood the test of time, transforming its initial power into an aristocratic elegance, where ripe red fruit blends with the earthy and spicy character typical of the region.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Origin: Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza (930 masl).
Vintage: 2011 (Historic Vintage).
Aging: 15 months in 100-year-old French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Soils: Deep, clayey, and alluvial in origin.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Intense garnet red with brick-colored edges, revealing its elegant maturity in the bottle.
Nose: A captivating bouquet that opens with plum jam and cassis, followed by notes of dark chocolate, truffle, cedar, and a balsamic background reminiscent of eucalyptus and roasted sweet pepper.
Palate: Broad and enveloping entry. Its tannins are pure silk, completely integrated. The acidity is still present, supporting a robust structure that ends in a persistent finish, with hints of coffee, tobacco, and dried fruit.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Occasions
Gastronomy: A wine of this level of evolution requires dishes with complex flavors and rich textures. It pairs perfectly with braised *Ossobuco*, porcini mushroom risotto, game meats (deer or wild boar), or a wood-fired aged *bife de chorizo*.
Suggested Occasions:
- Special Celebration: To toast to long and successful careers; a wine that celebrates maturity.
- Prestigious Gift: The ultimate gift for a collector who appreciates vintages no longer found on the market.
- Romantic Dinner: Its complexity and smoothness invite an intimate and unhurried evening.
- High-Level Business: A label that conveys culture, patience, and exquisite taste.
- Gourmet Barbecue: Ideal for accompanying premium cuts of meat with marbled fat (Wagyu or Black Angus).
- Family Meal: The centerpiece at a gathering where stories are shared from generation to generation.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Why is Agrelo different from Gualtallary?
While Gualtallary is tension and minerality, Agrelo is volume, tannin sweetness, and riper fruit, making it more "friendly" and unctuous on the palate.
Is it necessary to decant Agrelo 2011?
Yes, it is essential. We recommend gently decanting it for 45 minutes to remove any natural sediment from age and allow the tertiary aromas (leather, tobacco) to oxygenate.
What scores does this wine have?
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard line has historically been awarded 97+ points by critics such as Robert Parker, always highlighting Agrelo for its consistency and longevity.