EL GRAN ENEMIGO
EL CEPILLO 2016
SINGLE VINEYARD
UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The elegance of cold: the most vertical and austere Cabernet Franc, born in the shadow of the Andes."
The Wild Side of the Uco Valley
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo 2016 is a masterpiece of climatic precision. In this cold, desert site in the south of the Uco Valley, the soils are a complex mix of sand and stones rich in calcium carbonate. The El Enemigo winery, led by Alejandro Vigil, captured in this historic vintage a wine of astonishing verticality. It is a red that shuns sweet opulence to focus on energy, pepper and a texture of fine tannins that seem sculpted from limestone. Find this limited-edition gem ready for your cellar at La Cava Shop. Explore more from El Enemigo, Uco Valley wines, Cabernet Franc wines and Argentine red wines.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Origin: El Cepillo, San Carlos, Uco Valley (1,200 masl).
Vintage: 2016 (Remarkably cool vintage).
Aging: 15 months in century-old French oak foudres.
Net Content: 750 ml bottle.
Soils: Alluvial, sandy with deep calcareous deposits.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with very subtle violet glints, clear and elegant.
Nose: A fascinating, austere profile. Notes of mountain herbs, jarilla and thyme stand out, followed by tart red fruits such as redcurrant. A metallic, wet-stone mineral character appears, with a spicy touch of white pepper.
Palate: An electric, vibrant entry. Acidity is the protagonist, delivering unmatched freshness. The tannins are firm but very fine-grained (chalky), with a long, dry and deeply mineral finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Occasions
Gastronomy: Its fresh, 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 featuring aromatic herbs and black pepper. It is also a great ally for aged sheep's milk cheeses.
Suggested Occasions:
- Special Celebration: To open at moments when 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 present for the collector seeking wines with "nerve" and aging capacity.
- Gourmet Carne Asada: 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-time temperatures.
Is it a wine to drink now or to cellar?
Both. The 2016 vintage is already at a magnificent point of expression, but its structure and acidity ensure at least 20 more years in the bottle.
Is decanting recommended?
Absolutely. As an austere wine from a cool vintage, it needs at least 60 minutes of air for its mineral and herbal notes to fully expand.
Where can I buy El Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2016 in Mexico?
You can buy it directly at La Cava Shop, with free shipping from $1,499 MXN and 90-day returns at no cost.