GRAN ENEMIGO
EL CEPILLO 2018
SINGLE VINEYARD • SAN CARLOS • UCO VALLEY
Red Wine
"Absolute precision: where the balance of a perfect vintage reveals the mineral essence of the Andean desert."
The Balance of Nature
The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard El Cepillo 2018 is the result of a dream season in the Uco Valley. In this specific parcel, Cabernet Franc achieves an expression of great purity, marked by the freshness of the southern end of San Carlos. The El Enemigo winery, under the masterful guidance of Alejandro Vigil, has created a wine that combines a firm structure with elegant fluidity. It is a wine of great tension, where aromas of wild herbs and wet stone intertwine with vibrant black fruit, all enveloped in the sophistication of aging in century-old foudres.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Vigil & Catena).
Origin: El Cepillo, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,200 m.a.s.l.).
Vintage: 2018 (Perfectly balanced vintage).
Aging: 15 months in multi-use French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Composition: Cabernet Franc co-fermented with Malbec.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Intense ruby red color with deep, bright purple reflections.
Nose: Great complexity and freshness. Notes of black fruits like cassis and blackberries are perceived, combined with hints of black pepper, thyme, and a strong mineral identity reminiscent of graphite and limestone.
Palate: Vertical and energetic entry. It is a medium to full-bodied wine with a sharp acidity that gives it great vivacity. Its tannins are firm and possess that sought-after granular chalky texture, finishing with a saline and elegant persistence.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Suggested Pairings and Moments
Gastronomy: A wine of this precision is ideal for structured but elegant dishes. It pairs perfectly with game meats, grilled lamb with aromatic herbs, or pork tenderloin with red berry reduction. It also harmonizes wonderfully with mature goat cheeses and dishes containing wild mushrooms.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: To celebrate achievements with a label that represents the excellence of a historic vintage.
- Business: A wine that commands respect and demonstrates a sophisticated and current palate.
- Prestigious Gift: The ideal gift for the collector who values Andean balance and elegance.
- Romantic Dinner: The freshness and complexity of the 2018 invite deep, unhurried conversation.
- Premium BBQ: Elevates the barbecue to a gourmet experience, especially with slow-cooked cuts.
- Family Meal: To share at a table where wine is the center of conversation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Is the 2018 better than other El Cepillo vintages?
Many experts consider it the most balanced vintage. It is not as cold as 2016 nor as warm as 2017, allowing the wine to have exceptional natural harmony.
What is the "chalky" texture of this wine like?
It is a tactile sensation on the tongue that comes from the calcium-rich soils. It feels like a very fine, firm grain that gives structure to the wine without being aggressive.
How much decanting time does it need?
As a wine of great structure and from a vintage with high potential, we recommend decanting it for 45 to 60 minutes so that its aromatic layers can fully reveal themselves.
