Gran Enemigo Chacayes

Gran Enemigo Chacayes 2021: Cabernet Franc with Mountain Freshness

Gran Enemigo Chacayes 2021 shows just how exciting Argentine Cabernet Franc can be. Perfumed, concentrated and wonderfully fresh, this single-vineyard red combines dark fruit with violets, wild herbs and a distinctive mineral edge. There is plenty of intensity here, but its appeal lies in the detail: silky texture, beautifully defined flavours and a finish that keeps drawing you back.

El Enemigo is the partnership between winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolás Catena. Their shared interest in wine, history and tradition has resulted in a project with a particularly individual personality. Cabernet Franc takes centre stage in the Gran Enemigo single-vineyard wines, each exploring the character of a different Mendoza location.

This bottling comes from Los Chacayes in Tunuyán, within Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The densely planted vineyard sits at 1,100 metres above sea level on alluvial soils containing limestone. The blend is 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec, bringing together Cabernet Franc’s fragrance and savoury detail with a supporting layer of generous fruit.

The relatively cool 2021 growing season allowed the grapes to develop concentrated flavours and ripe skins while retaining excellent acidity and moderate sugar levels. Fermentation took place in concrete with 40% whole bunches, followed by an extended, gentle infusion. The wine then spent 15 months in concrete, allowing the fruit and vineyard character to remain at the forefront.

Expect blackcurrant, plum and dark berries, lifted by violet, white pepper and mountain herbs. Hints of mint and graphite add a cool, savoury dimension. The palate is dry and finely structured, with polished tannins and vibrant acidity giving the concentrated fruit an energetic feel. It has depth without heaviness, finishing long, fresh and precise. An excellent choice for anyone who enjoys fragrant reds with both generosity and restraint.

Gran Enemigo Chacayes Food Pairing Suggestion:

Try rosemary-roasted lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, or roast beef with mushrooms and a rich pan jus. The wine’s freshness cuts through the richness, while its herbal notes complement the seasoning. For a vegetarian option, serve with mushroom Wellington and thyme-roasted root vegetables, which bring out its savoury character.