Enemigo Wines is a project of two friends and extremely talented producers with rich winemaking history: Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Zapata.
Alejandro, often regarded as the “enfant terrible” of his family, took a unique path in his pursuit of winemaking. Departing from conventional education, he left school at the age of 14 to join a wine cooperative. Despite this unconventional move, he continued his studies in the evenings to avoid disappointing his mother. His dedication paid off, and he graduated at the top of his class in agricultural engineering. Remarkably, by the age of 27, Alejandro assumed the role of head of the soils division at the National Research Institute (INTA). Since 2002, Alejandro Vigil has held the position of Chief Winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata, showcasing not only his rebellious spirit but also his exceptional expertise in the art and science of winemaking.
Adrianna, as the youngest daughter of Nicolás Catena Zapata, has been immersed in the world of wine from an early age. Growing up surrounded by the vineyards, she developed a deep connection with the industry. Today, Adrianna seamlessly merges her academic background with her fervor for viticulture and winemaking. Her time is divided between contributing to El Enemigo Wines and being actively involved with Catena Zapata, where her expertise and passion make significant contributions to the family legacy.
Gran Enemigo Gualtallary is a single-vineyard wine sourced from grapes grown at an elevation of 1,470 meters above sea level. It is a remarkable red is crafted from a blend of 85% Cabernet Franc (sourced from calcareous and rocky soil), and 15% Malbec (from calcareous, deep-calcareous, and rocky soil). The harvesting process involved five passes over a span of one and a half months to ensure the selection of the finest grapes. The fermentation took place in barrels with 40% whole bunch. Following these meticulous processes, the wine was aged for 15 months in century-old foudres.
2019 Vintage:
This particular release stands out as one of the most exceptional from this single-vineyard blend, predominantly featuring Cabernet Franc with around 15% Malbec. Its evolution in the glass is gradual, revealing intricate layers of aromas in a subtle way. Drawing parallels to the outstanding 2013 vintage, which was also awarded a perfect 100 points, this current release has a level of perfection rarely seen since then. It is perfectly balanced, with a silky texture, refined tannins, and a long, dry finish characterised by a chalky, saline sensation without even a hint of sweetness. The focus is on herbal, floral, and mineral elements.
Food pairing suggestion:
Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Awards
Vintage 2019:
The Wine Advocate – 100 points
James Suckling – 100 points
There are no reviews yet.