GRAN ENEMIGO
EL CEPILLO 2017
SINGLE VINEYARD • SAN CARLOS • ARGENTINA
"Where the desert becomes a flower: the most ethereal and profound expression of high-mountain Cabernet Franc."
The Purity of the Deep South
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo 2017 is a wine of surgical precision. Coming from the El Cepillo district, in San Carlos, this terroir is characterized by its alluvial soils with a high content of round stones and layers of calcium carbonate. Under the vision of Alejandro Vigil, this 2017 vintage Cabernet Franc shows an elegant maturity typical of a warm year, but preserving the floral freshness and "chalky" texture that only the cold of El Cepillo can provide. It is a layered wine, evolving in the glass to reveal the complexity of the mountain.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Origin: El Cepillo, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,200 masl).
Vintage: 2017.
Aging: 15 months in centennial French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Soils: Alluvial with calcareous and volcanic ash deposits.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with intense violet and black reflections.
Nose: A magnetic bouquet combining violets, roses, and fresh red fruits with notes of eucalyptus, black pepper, and the unmistakable mineral trace of wet stone and graphite.
Palate: Elegant and fluid entry. It is a vertical wine with a pungent acidity that provides freshness. Its tannins are very fine-grained, providing a chalky texture and a persistent, spicy, and floral finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Moments
Gastronomy: Its freshness and floral profile make it ideal for meats with delicate yet persistent flavors. It pairs perfectly with spit-roasted lamb, small game meats (such as partridge or rabbit), lemon sweetbreads, or pasta with fresh mushroom sauces. It is also excellent with hard cheeses like aged Gruyère.
Suggested Moments:
- Romantic Dinner: Its floral and elegant profile creates an atmosphere of sophistication and discovery.
- Prestige Gift: An essential label for those looking to understand Mendoza's most special micro-regions.
- Business: Projects oenological knowledge and appreciation for single-vineyard wines with defined identity.
- Premium BBQ: To accompany cuts of meat with little fat but great flavor intensity.
- Special Celebration: The perfect wine to toast moments that demand an out-of-the-ordinary bottle.
- Family Meal: To turn a Sunday lunch into a high-end shared experience.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Is El Cepillo different from Gualtallary?
Yes. Although both are high-mountain, El Cepillo is in the south of the Uco Valley and is colder, which tends to yield wines with more floral notes (violets) and a slightly more pronounced acidity than Gualtallary.
How long can I store the 2017?
This wine has a formidable structure. Although it is already at a great moment, it can continue to evolve in the bottle for the next 15 to 20 years under proper conditions.
Does it require decanting?
Yes, we recommend decanting it for 45 to 60 minutes for the floral and mineral profile to fully open, allowing the power of the Cabernet Franc to soften upon contact with air.
