El GRAN ENEMIGO
EL CEPILLO 2016
SINGLE VINEYARD • UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The elegance of the cold: the most vertical and austere Cabernet Franc born under the shadow of the Andes."
The Wild Side of Gualtallary
Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo 2016 is a masterpiece of climatic precision. In this cold, desert-like area of the southern Uco Valley, the soils are a complex mixture of sand and stones rich in calcium carbonate. The El Enemigo winery, led by Alejandro Vigil, has captured in this historic vintage a wine of astonishing verticality. It is a red 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 m.a.s.l.).
Vintage: 2016 (The freshest vintage of the century).
Aging: 15 months in centenarian 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, clear and elegant appearance.
Nose: A fascinating and austere profile. Notes of mountain herbs, jarilla, and thyme stand out, followed by acidic red fruits like currant. A metallic, wet stone mineral character appears, with a spicy touch 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 Occasions
Cuisine: Its fresh and tannic profile makes it ideal for dishes with fine fats. It pairs masterfully with Patagonian lamb, game meats like venison, crispy sweetbreads, or dishes incorporating aromatic herbs and black pepper. It is also a great ally for aged sheep cheeses.
Suggested Occasions:
- Special Celebration: To open on occasions 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 shared discovery.
- Cult Gift: The perfect gift for the collector seeking wines with "nerve" and aging potential.
- Gourmet BBQ: 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 calcareous minerality, El Cepillo adds an herbal layer and a more pronounced verticality due to its lower nighttime 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. As an austere and fresh vintage wine, it needs at least 60 minutes of air for its mineral and herbal notes to fully expand.
