GRAN ENEMIGO
EL CEPILLO 2016
SINGLE VINEYARD • UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The elegance of the cold: the most vertical and austere Cabernet Franc born in the shadow of the Andes."
The Wild Side of Gualtallary
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo 2016 is a masterpiece of climatic precision. In this desert-like and cold area of the southern Uco Valley, the soils are a complex mix of sand and stones rich in calcium carbonate. The winery El Enemigo, led by Alejandro Vigil, has captured in this historic vintage a wine of astonishing verticality. It is a red wine that shies away from sweet opulence to focus on energy, pepper, and a texture of fine tannins that seem sculpted from limestone.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Origin: El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley (1,200 masl).
Vintage: 2016 (The freshest vintage of the century).
Aging: 15 months in century-old French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Soils: Alluvial, sandy with deep calcareous deposits.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with very subtle violet reflections, clean and elegant in appearance.
Nose: A fascinating and austere profile. Notes of mountain herbs, jarilla, and thyme stand out, followed by acidic red fruits like redcurrant. A metallic, wet stone mineral character appears, with a spicy hint of white pepper.
Palate: Electric and vibrant entry. Acidity is the protagonist, lending unmatched freshness. The tannins are firm but very fine-grained (chalky), with a long, dry, and profoundly mineral finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Suggested Pairings and Moments
Gastronomy: Its fresh and tannic profile makes it ideal for dishes with fine fats. It pairs masterfully with Patagonian lamb, game meats such as venison, crispy sweetbreads, or dishes incorporating aromatic herbs and black pepper. It is also a great ally for aged sheep cheeses.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: To open in moments where the uniqueness and history of an unrepeatable vintage are appreciated.
- Business: A label that projects sophistication, discernment, and a taste for avant-garde viticulture.
- Romantic Dinner: Its elegance and mysterious character invite a shared discovery.
- Cult Gift: The perfect gift for the collector looking for wines with "nerve" and aging potential.
- Gourmet Barbecue: To accompany premium cuts (Skirt Steak or Rib Eye) where the wine's acidity cleanses the palate.
- Family Meal: To elevate a Sunday gathering to a professional tasting level.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
What makes El Cepillo different from Gualtallary?
El Cepillo tends to be even colder and more extreme. While Gualtallary is pure limestone minerality, El Cepillo adds an herbal layer and a more pronounced verticality due to its lower night temperatures.
Is this a wine to drink now or to age?
Both. The 2016 vintage is already at a magnificent stage of expression, but its structure and acidity ensure a bottle life of at least 20 more years.
Is decanting recommended?
Absolutely. Being a wine with an austere profile and from a cool vintage, it needs at least 60 minutes of air for its mineral and herbal notes to fully expand.