2021 El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Chacayes Single Vineyard

The Enemigo

El Enemigo is a collaboration between Alejandro Vigil, winemaker at Catena, and Adrianna Catena. The project arose from the desire to create wines that showcase the unique character of the Uco Valley. By working with high-altitude vineyards, low yields, and meticulous vinification, El Enemigo has become one of Argentina's leading producers. The Gran Enemigo line forms the core of the portfolio, featuring a range of single-vineyard Cabernet Franc wines that have received international acclaim. Chacayes is considered one of the region's most layered and minerally terroirs, perfectly suited to the estate's style.

Los Chacayes in the Uco Valley and its special terroir

The Los Chacayes vineyards are located at high altitude in the Andean foothills. The soil consists primarily of alluvial deposits with a high concentration of limestone. This combination of altitude and minerality gives the wines tension, freshness, and precision. The cool nights allow for slow ripening, allowing Cabernet Franc and Malbec to fully develop their aromatic complexity. The intense sunshine and deep root systems yield grapes with great concentration without losing their elegance. Los Chacayes is known for red wines with dark fruit notes, floral accents, and a striking mineral backbone.

The style of the Gran Enemigo wines

Within El Enemigo, the Gran Enemigo series is a collection of single-vineyard wines focused purely on terroir expression. The style is energetic, deep, and refined, with Cabernet Franc as its primary ingredient. Vinification is traditional and precise, utilizing large foudres and meticulous attention to detail. The goal is to create wines that are sleek and high-toned, yet intense and long-lasting. The 2021 series is considered a vintage where the cool weather brought additional layers and tension.

The 2021 El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Chacayes Single Vineyard

The 2021 vintage is made from 85 percent Cabernet Franc and 15 percent Malbec from high-altitude, alluvial, calcareous soils. The wine was barrel-fermented with 40 percent whole bunches and matured in foudre for 15 months. The cool character of the 2021 vintage resulted in a wine with freshness, intensity, and a remarkable purity of aromas. The aroma combines violets, mountain herbs, black currant, graphite, plum, and subtle earthy notes. Some aromas lean toward pink grapefruit and light smoke, adding complexity to the wine. Reviews emphasize the combination of floral finesse, dark fruit notes, and a distinct mineral energy that runs like a thread through the wine.

Vinification, structure and development

Fermentation in foudre with a portion of whole bunches creates tension and aromatic lift. The medium-high temperature and gentle extraction maintain an elegant and precise profile. The tannins are refined, compact, and seamlessly integrated. The structure is described as slender yet intense, with a velvety richness that never becomes heavy. The wine concludes with a long, delicate, and strongly mineral finish that feels weightless. The 2021 Chacayes will develop beautifully for at least fifteen to twenty years. The wine already has a lot of character, but with a few years of bottle aging, it will reveal even deeper balance.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2021 Gran Enemigo Chacayes

The color is deep purple with vibrant intensity. The aroma is dominated by mountain herbs, violets, blackcurrant, plum, and subtle spicy and earthy notes. The palate is energetic, taut, and very precise. The texture is supple and silky, yet with a distinct minerality that gives the wine height. Polished tannins carry the long, focused finish, combining graphite, dark fruits, and a stony freshness. This is a red wine with layered depth, tension, and a remarkably elegant structure typical of the best wines from Los Chacayes.

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.

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Wine and food pairing advice for the 2021 Gran Enemigo Chacayes

Grilled bavette with chimichurri
The spicy freshness and mineral tension of the wine enhance the spicy herbs and juicy meat.

Rack of lamb with thyme and roasted vegetables
The structure and elegant tannins perfectly match the aromatic lamb and slightly sweet vegetable flavours.

Mushroom risotto with Parmesan
The earthy notes and creamy texture form a fine combination with the depth and freshness of the wine.

Entrecote with black pepper and rosemary
The dark fruit notes and graphite accents complement the savory character of grilled beef.

Grilled eggplant with miso and sesame
The umami-rich flavour and smoky accents are beautifully supported by the mineral intensity of the wine.

Ravioli with ricotta, spinach and sage
The fresh herbal aromas and soft textures match the wine's sleek, elegant build.