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 Far 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 rounded stones and layers of calcium carbonate. Under the vision of Alejandro Vigil, this 2017 Cabernet Franc displays the elegant ripeness typical of a warm year, while preserving the floral freshness and "chalky" texture that only the cold of El Cepillo can provide. It is a layered wine that evolves in the glass, revealing the complexity of the mountain. Get this collectible oenological jewel at LaCava.shop.
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.
Net Content: 750 ml bottle.
Soils: Alluvial with limestone and volcanic ash deposits.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red with intense violet and black highlights.
Nose: A magnetic bouquet that combines violets, roses, and fresh red fruits with notes of eucalyptus, black pepper, and the unmistakable mineral trace of wet stone and graphite.
Palate: Elegant, fluid entry. It is a vertical wine with a sharp 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. 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 (such as partridge or rabbit), lemon sweetbreads, or pasta with fresh mushroom sauces. It is also excellent with hard cheeses like an 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 looking to understand the most special micro-regions of Mendoza.
- Business: Projects oenological knowledge and an appreciation for single-parcel wines with a defined identity.
- Premium Steak Night: To accompany cuts of meat that are lean but have high flavor intensity.
- Special Celebration: The perfect wine to toast to moments that require an extraordinary bottle.
- Family Meal: To turn a Sunday lunch into a shared, high-end experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Is El Cepillo different from Gualtallary?
Yes. Although both are high-altitude, El Cepillo is in the southern Uco Valley and is colder, which typically yields wines with more floral notes (violets) and a slightly more marked acidity than Gualtallary.
How long can I cellar the 2017?
This wine has a formidable structure. Although it is already in a great place, 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 the floral and mineral profile opens up completely, allowing the power of the Cabernet Franc to soften upon contact with air.