GRAN ENEMIGO
CHACAYES 2018
SINGLE VINEYARD
UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The strength of the stone: an indomitable Cabernet Franc, sculpted by the sun and the altitude of Los Chacayes."
The Character of the Mountain
The 2018 Gran Enemigo Chacayes is born in one of the wildest and most promising terroirs of the Uco Valley. The alluvial, extremely stony, and nutrient-poor soils of this region force the roots to go deep, granting the wine unique minerality and tension. Under the signature of the prestigious El Enemigo winery, Alejandro Vigil achieves a perfect balance in this vintage: the fruit ripeness of a luminous year, combined with the freshness characteristic of the high mountains. An iconic auteur red wine, ideal for those looking to buy cult labels online with secure shipping throughout Mexico.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Vigil & Catena).
Origin: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (1,100 masl).
Vintage: 2018 (An exceptionally balanced vintage).
Available vintages: 2018 and 2019. This page describes the 2018 vintage; choose your vintage in the purchase options.
Aging: 15 months in century-old French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Composition: Cabernet Franc co-fermented with Malbec.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Deep violet-red, with brilliant edges and great chromatic concentration.
Nose: Aromatic explosion of wild red and black fruits. Notes of thyme, lavender, and black pepper, intertwined with a metallic mineral background and subtle hints of cocoa provided by the ancient oak.
Palate: Powerful entrance with great character. Great tannic structure, fine-grained and firm. The acidity is refreshing and vertical, guiding the wine toward a long, spicy finish with a markedly mineral aftertaste.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Occasions
Gastronomy: Due to its structure and nerve, it is the ideal companion for intense red meats and haute cuisine. It pairs perfectly with a grilled ribeye, Patagonian lamb on the spit, or game meats like venison. It also harmonizes with complex stews and well-aged hard cheeses.
Suggested Occasions:
- Business: An iconic wine that projects solidity, distinction, and deep knowledge of the hidden gems of Mendoza.
- Special Celebration: To commemorate important moments with a cult label of international renown.
- Gourmet Barbecue: Elevates the grill experience to a professional tasting level.
- Romantic Dinner: Its elegance and aromatic layers invite relaxed conversation.
- Auteur Gift: The definitive gift for the demanding connoisseur seeking the ultimate expression of Los Chacayes.
- Family Meal: To accompany a Sunday banquet with slow-cooked dishes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Is Chacayes better than Gualtallary?
It is not a question of quality, but of terroir profile. Chacayes typically offers wines with a more rustic and powerful structure, while Gualtallary tends toward elegance and limestone minerality.
Why are foudres used instead of small barrels?
The 100-year-old foudres allow for slow micro-oxygenation without imparting excessive oak flavors, respecting the pure identity of the vineyard.
Is it recommended to decant this 2018 vintage?
Yes, as it is a highly concentrated wine that is still young in its development, a 60-minute decanting will allow the wine to open up all its aromatic layers.