GRAN ENEMIGO
CHACAYES 2018
SINGLE VINEYARD • UCO VALLEY • ARGENTINA
"The strength of stone: an untamed Cabernet Franc, sculpted by the sun and the altitude of Los Chacayes."
The Character of the Mountain
The Gran Enemigo Chacayes 2018 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 go deeper, 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 balanced and luminous year, combined with the characteristic freshness of the high mountains. It is a serious, structured, and deeply elegant wine.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: El Enemigo (Vigil & Catena).
Origin: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza (1,100 masl).
Vintage: 2018 (Exceptional balance vintage).
Aging: 15 months in centuries-old 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 contributed by 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 Pairing and Moments
Gastronomy: Due to its structure and vigor, it is the ideal companion for intense red meats. It pairs perfectly with a grilled ribeye, Patagonian lamb on the spit, or game meats like venison. It also harmonizes with complex stews and very mature hard cheeses.
Suggested Moments:
- 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 Barbecue: Elevates the grilling experience to a fine dining level.
- Romantic Dinner: Its elegance and aromatic layers invite unhurried conversation.
- Signature Gift: The definitive present for the 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'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 chalky 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 2018 vintage?
Yes, as it is a wine of great concentration and still young in its evolution, a 60-minute decantation will allow the wine to "open up" all its aromatic layers.