EEGERB21
New product
Aromas of blackberry, blueberry and herbal notes are accented by cardamom, liquorice, and floral nuances. Velvety with remarkable balance and freshness, and layers of ripe dark fruit, savoury undertones and a saline edge.
The high-density vineyard is located in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at an elevation of 1,470 metres. At this elevation the fruit benefits from a long hang time due to diurnal temperature shifts, imparting the fruit with complexity and natural balance. The varied terroir comprises distinct soil compositions for each grape variety: sandy loam with a limestone base and rocks for the Malbec; deep sandy soil for the Cabernet Sauvignon; calcareous, rocky soil for the Cabernet Franc; and sandy soil for the Merlot. This diversity contributes to the complexity of the final blend. 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. The fruit is manually harvested.
The grapes were harvested over five separate passes spanning 1.5 months to ensure optimal ripeness and balance. A cold maceration period of five days was followed by a wild yeast fermentation in concrete vats at an average temperature of 22°C. Total maceration lasted an average of 23 days, with 20% of the grapes fermented as whole bunches, imparting further complexity. Maturation lasted 16 months in concrete vats.
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Alcoholic strength | 13.5% |
| Awards | 96 Pts, Vinous, 2025; 95 Pts, Descorchados, 2025 |
| Country | Argentina |
| Region | Valle de Uco |
| Subregion | Gualtallary |
| Grapes | Malbec 50%, Cabernet Franc 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Merlot 5% |
| Residual sugar (g/l) | 1.7 |
| Body | D |
| 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.