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.
Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2020 Vintage:
The 2019-2020 harvest was marked by extreme dryness, with a warm start to summer that cooled in February. Reduced winter snowfall led to water shortages, lowering yields by 20-30%. However, the lack of summer rain ensured perfectly healthy grapes. High-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley produced wines of remarkable concentration, intense aromatics, excellent texture, and vibrant acidity. Alejandro Vigil hails it as one of the best vintages of the last decade.
Gran Enemigo Gualtallary 2020 Tasting Notes:
“The 2020 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard is nothing but phenomenal. It’s very fresh and balanced and, for a warm year like 2020, doesn’t show any heat or excess; it’s subtle and has an ethereal character within the powerful and exuberant character from Gualtallary. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and some full clusters, sometimes up to 70% of the volume. It’s intense and powerful, but something makes if feel light on its feet and with great inner power.”
Food pairing suggestion: Roast duck breast with autumn vegetables
Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Awards
Vintage 2020:
The Wine Advocate – 99 points
James Suckling – 96 points
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