GRAN ENEMIGO
CHACAYES 2017
SINGLE VINEYARD • UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
Red wine
"The untamed energy of the mountain captured in a bottle: the Cabernet Franc that redefined Argentina's limits."
The Roar of Los Chacayes
The Gran Enemigo Chacayes 2017 is a masterpiece of precision. Coming from one of the rockiest and most extreme areas of the Uco Valley, this wine reflects Alejandro Vigil's vision for Cabernet Franc. The 2017 vintage, marked by exceptional freshness, allowed for a slow maturation that highlights notes of wild herbs and wet stone. Aged in old wooden foudres to allow micro-oxygenation without masking the fruit, this wine is a lesson in tension, elegance, and infinite aging potential.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena).
Region: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza.
Vintage: 2017.
Aging: 15 months in 100-year-old French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Soils: Alluvial of granitic origin with superficial limestone.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Deep ruby red color with intense and brilliant violet hues.
Nose: Fascinating complexity. Aromas of crunchy red fruits, cassis, and raspberry, intertwined with notes of black pepper, wild thyme, and a distinct mineral character reminiscent of graphite and limestone.
Palate: Vertical and electric entry. Acidity is the backbone of this 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. Suggested Pairings and Moments
Cuisine: A wine for high-end meats. Excellent with peppered ribeye, Patagonian spit-roasted lamb, or confit duck. Its freshness also makes it ideal for accompanying dishes with wild mushrooms or black truffles.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: To toast successes that have required effort and audacity.
- High-Level Business: A label that commands respect and shows refined taste for the best of South America.
- Gourmet Barbecue: Elevates a premium cut barbecue to a professional tasting experience.
- Romantic Dinner: The elegance of Cabernet Franc creates an atmosphere of shared sophistication.
- Prestigious Gift: The ideal gift for the collector looking for "terroir wines" with outstanding international scores.
- Family Meal: To turn a Sunday into a memorable gastronomic milestone.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
What differentiates Chacayes from other Gran Enemigo?
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 decantation will allow its vertical structure to open up and reveal the complexity of the herbs 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, even surpassing Malbec in terms of elegance and aging potential.
