GRAN ENEMIGO
CHACAYES 2017
SINGLE VINEYARD
UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The untamable energy of the mountain captured in a bottle: the cult Argentine Cabernet Franc that redefined the boundaries of the Uco Valley."
The Roar of Los Chacayes
The 2017 Gran Enemigo Chacayes is a masterpiece of oenological precision. Sourced from one of the rockiest and most extreme plots in Mendoza, this high-end red wine reflects Alejandro Vigil’s genius for terroir-driven Cabernet Franc. The 2017 vintage, marked by exceptional continental freshness, allowed for a slow ripening process that highlights notes of wild herbs and wet stone. Patiently aged in antique wooden foudres to allow for micro-oxygenation without masking the fruit, it is an essential label for collectors looking to buy exclusive wines online with a guarantee of origin.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Region: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina.
Vintage: 2017.
Aging: 15 months in 100-year-old French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Soils: Alluvial of granitic origin with surface limestone.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red color with brilliant, intense violet hues of great concentration.
Nose: Fascinating complexity. Aromas of crisp red fruits, cassis, and raspberry, intertwined with notes of black pepper, wild thyme, and a marked mineral character reminiscent of graphite and limestone.
Palate: Vertical and electric entry. Natural acidity is the backbone of this auteur wine, giving it an almost saline freshness. The tannins are fine-grained, like chalk, providing an elegant texture and a persistent, vibrant finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Moments
Gastronomy: An iconic wine designed to pair with high-end meats. Excellent with peppered ribeye, Patagonian grilled lamb, or duck confit. Its freshness and mineral tension also make it ideal to accompany gourmet dishes with wild mushrooms or black truffles.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: To toast to successes that have required effort, vision, and boldness.
- High-Level Business: An iconic label that commands respect and demonstrates a refined taste for the best of South American viticulture.
- Gourmet Steak Night: Elevates a premium cut barbecue to a professional tasting experience.
- Romantic Dinner: The elegance of the Cabernet Franc creates an atmosphere of shared sophistication.
- Prestigious Gift: The ideal gift for the demanding collector who looks for terroir wines with worldwide recognition.
- Family Meal: To turn a Sunday into an unforgettable gastronomic milestone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What distinguishes Chacayes from other Gran Enemigo wines?
Chacayes is known for being the wildest and most mineral of the Single Vineyard series. It has a more pronounced tension and chalky note than Gualtallary or El Cepillo.
Should I decant the 2017 vintage?
Yes, it is highly recommended. At least 60 minutes of decanting will allow its vertical structure to open up and reveal the complexity of the herbs, fruits, and spices.
Why is Cabernet Franc used?
Alejandro Vigil believes that Cabernet Franc is the variety that best expresses the minerality of the Uco Valley, surpassing even Malbec in terms of elegance, freshness, and aging capacity.