2016 El Enemigo As Bravas Pampa El Cepillo Malbec

El Enemigo and the special terroir of El Cepillo

El Enemigo is a project by Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena and is known for wines with distinctive character and a clear connection to their origins. The estate operates in the Uco Valley, where altitude, coolness, and varied soils play a key role. The As Bravas cuvée comes from a tiny zone within the Pampa El Cepillo region. Under the Winery tab, you can find more information about the history and philosophy of this top Argentinian estate.

The plot from which this wine originates is situated on a gentle slope within an otherwise flat landscape. The soil is unique: a glacial moraine with angular stones and a highly variable composition. As a result, Malbec ripens earlier here, resulting in a wine with a striking mineral expression, a tighter structure, and a tense mouthfeel.

Grapes, harvest and vinification of the 2016 As Bravas

The wine is made from pure Malbec from a single, small area of Cordón El Cepillo. The 2016 vintage was extremely cool and rainy, resulting in grapes with low alcohol, high acidity, and an unusually fresh expression. The wine was fermented while preserving the natural characteristics of the terroir.

Fermentation was followed by an exceptionally long maturation period: approximately 60 months in large 2,000-liter oak foudres. This slow maturation gives the wine subtlety, layering, and a character that is hardly comparable to classic Argentine Malbec. The choice of large foudres prevents heavy oak impressions and allows the wine to refine naturally.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2016 As Bravas Malbec

The color is deep purple with garnet reflections. The aroma opens with dark notes of tobacco, truffle, forest floor, and cedar. Beneath this, herbs such as thyme, pepper, and aromatic flowers emerge, alongside black fruit and fig. The combination of ripe fruit and savory notes gives the wine a unique profile.

On the palate, the wine is dry, taut, and refined, with a propulsive freshness typical of this vintage. The acidity is lively and energizing. The tannins are plentiful but polished and slightly dusty in texture. A striking mineral character extends into the long finish. The flavor profile is both earthy and transparent, with a fresh tension that makes this wine unique among Argentinian Malbecs.

Storage potential and drinking time

Thanks to its unusually low alcohol, high acidity, and long aging, this wine has excellent potential for further development. Open and complex now, it can elegantly evolve well beyond 2035. Its tight structure, nuance, and harmony make this a Malbec that's not about power, but about depth, refinement, and balance.

Would you like to order El Enemigo wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings for the 2016 As Bravas Malbec

Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic
The savoury notes and spiciness complement the earthy, mineral depth of the wine.

Grilled entrecote with black pepper and mushroom jus
The structure and freshness of the wine support the juicy meat and the earthiness of the jus.

Pasta with truffle, Parmesan and wild mushrooms
The umami richness and creaminess balance the mineral tension of the wine.

Roasted eggplant with miso and sesame
The combination of savoury, sweet and light smokiness suits the deep and tight style of this Malbec.

Duck breast with fig and red wine reduction
The elegance and tension of the wine create harmony with the sweet and savoury elements of the dish.

Oven-baked beetroot with goat cheese and walnuts
The earthy tones and fresh character find a nice balance in the texture and richness of this dish.