GRAN ENEMIGO
EL CEPILLO 2017
SINGLE VINEYARD • SAN CARLOS • ARGENTINA
Red Wine
"Where the desert turns into a flower: the most ethereal and profound expression of high-mountain Cabernet Franc."
The Purity of the Extreme South
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo 2017 is a wine of surgical precision. Coming from the district of El Cepillo, in San Carlos, this terroir is characterized by its alluvial soils with a high content of rounded 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 mountains.
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 centenary French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Soils: Alluvial with calcareous content 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, contributing a chalky texture and a persistent, spicy, and floral finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Suggested Pairings and Moments
Gastronomy: Its freshness and floral profile make it ideal for meats with delicate but persistent flavors. It pairs perfectly with lamb on the spit, 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.
- Prestigious Gift: An essential label for those seeking to understand Mendoza's most special micro-regions.
- Business: Projects oenological knowledge and appreciation for terroir-driven wines with defined identity.
- Premium Barbecue: To accompany cuts of meat with low fat but high flavor intensity.
- Special Celebration: The perfect wine to toast moments that demand an extraordinary 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 regions, El Cepillo is in the south of the Uco Valley and is colder, which typically yields wines with more floral notes (violets) and slightly more pronounced acidity than those from Gualtallary.
How long can I age the 2017?
This wine has a formidable structure. Although it is already in 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 so that the floral and mineral profile fully opens, allowing the power of the Cabernet Franc to soften upon contact with air.
