GRAN ENEMIGO
CHACAYES 2017
SINGLE VINEYARD • UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The strength of stone: an untamed Cabernet Franc, sculpted by the sun and altitude of Los Chacayes."
The Character of the Mountain
The Gran Enemigo Chacayes 2017 is born in one of the wildest and most promising terroirs of the Uco Valley. The alluvial, extremely stony, and poor soils of this region force the roots to dig deep, giving the wine a unique minerality and tension. Under the El Enemigo winery, Alejandro Vigil achieves a perfect balance in this vintage: the fruity ripeness of a dry and luminous year, combined with the characteristic freshness of high altitudes. It is a serious, structured, and profoundly elegant wine.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Vigil & Catena).
Origin: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,100 masl).
Vintage: 2017 (Exceptional vintage).
Aging: 15 months in centennial French oak foudres.
Volume: 750 ml.
Composition: Cabernet Franc co-fermented with Malbec.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Deep purplish red, with bright edges and great 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 from the old oak.
Palate: Powerful and characterful entry. Great tannic structure, fine-grained and firm. The acidity is refreshing and vertical, guiding the wine to a long, spicy finish with a distinctly mineral aftertaste.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Suggested Pairings and Occasions
Gastronomy: Due to its structure and nerve, it is the ideal companion for intense red meats. It pairs perfectly with a grilled ribeye, Patagonian lamb cooked on a spit, or game meats such as venison. It also harmonizes with complex stews and very mature hard cheeses.
Suggested Occasions:
- Business: A wine that projects solidity, distinction, and deep knowledge of Mendoza's hidden gems.
- Special Celebration: To commemorate important moments with a cult label.
- Gourmet BBQ: Elevates the grilling experience to a high gastronomic level.
- Romantic Dinner: Its elegance and aromatic layers invite leisurely conversation.
- Author's Gift: The ultimate present for the connoisseur seeking the purest expression of Los Chacayes.
- Family Meal: To accompany a Sunday feast with slow-cooked dishes.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Is Chacayes better than Gualtallary?
It's not a matter of quality, but of profile. Chacayes usually offers wines with a more rustic and powerful structure, while Gualtallary tends towards elegance and limestone minerality.
Why are foudres used instead of small barrels?
100-year-old foudres allow for slow micro-oxygenation without imparting excessive wood flavors, respecting the pure identity of the vineyard.
Is decanting recommended for this 2017 vintage?
Yes, being a highly concentrated wine and still young in its evolution, a 60-minute decantation will allow the wine to "open up" all its aromatic layers.