El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023
A high-altitude Chardonnay showing remarkable purity and saline minerality, with aromas of salted lemon, apple, ripe peach and oak spice nuances. Full-bodied yet vibrant with juicy clarity, and a chalky texture.
Located in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at a striking altitude of 1,470 metres, this vineyard benefits from a unique terroir. Deep, calcareous and rocky soils provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine's minerality. While not certified, the vineyard adheres to organic practices, prioritising biodiversity, water conservation, and integrated farming methods. Natural herb and pest control further underscores their commitment to sustainable viticulture, complemented by the winery's sustainability certification from Bodegas of Argentina. High trellises and drip irrigation maximise sun exposure and water efficiency, while manual harvesting ensures careful selection of only the finest grapes.
Fermentation took place in 500-litre French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts at a maximum temperature of 18°C, lasting for 40 days. The wine then underwent maturation for 12 months in 500-litre French oak barrels under a veil of flor.
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13% |
| Awards | 94 Pts, Descorchados , 2025 |
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Valle de Uco |
| Subregion | Gualtallary |
| Grapes | Chardonnay 100% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 2.2 |
| Dry/Sweet value | 1 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Diam |
El Enemigo was founded in 2010 by Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolás Catena Zapata, along with Alejandro Vigil, the award-winning head winemaker of Bodega Catena Zapata. The El Enemigo vineyards are located in the Piedemonte al Sur region of Mendoza, south of Luján de Cuyo, at high altitudes between 930 and 1,470 metres. El Enemigo was born from a desire to carve their own path and a shared obsession with terroir. They thrive in the thrill of experimentation, and delight in the new and unconventional. Their philosophy is to create wines that reflect the freshness and character of each individual vineyard: a pure expression of their exceptional terroir. The name "El Enemigo", which translates as ‘the enemy’, is a nod to the internal battles and challenges they faced in their pursuit of excellence in winemaking, and to the idea of challenging the status quo. Their captivating wines are highly sought after.
