2021 El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard

El Enemigo and the ambition behind the project

El Enemigo is the result of a collaboration between Alejandro Vigil, winemaker at Catena, and Adrianna Catena. The project focuses on expressing the high-altitude terroirs of the Uco Valley and has become one of the most prominent names in Argentina. Within the Gran Enemigo line, four single-vineyard Cabernet Francs form the core of the portfolio. Each demonstrates how this grape can convey the altitude, minerality, and tension of the Andes. The vineyards are managed with great precision, yields are low, and the vinification is entirely focused on finesse and depth.

Gualtallary and the unique terroir of the Uco Valley

Gualtallary is one of the most prized subregions of the Uco Valley, situated at high altitude and known for its chalky soils. The combination of abundant sunshine, cool nights, and rocky, mineral soils produces grapes with intensity, energy, and exceptional aromatic precision. Cabernet Franc thrives in this terroir. The altitude creates tension and vibrant acidity, while the chalky soil adds structure and refinement. Gualtallary wines are internationally acclaimed for their layering, mineral length, and elegant power.

The style of the Gran Enemigo single vineyards

The Gran Enemigo wines are crafted with complete focus on terroir. Vigil and Catena consider each bottling a pure expression of a single plot. Fermentation is traditional, often with a portion of whole bunches, which provides aromatic lift and structure. Maturation takes place in large, century-old foudres, which offer softness and refinement without heavy oak influence. The style of the series is intense yet elegant, with plenty of tension, energy, and long bottle aging. Within this series, Gualtallary is consistently cited as one of the most impressive expressions of Cabernet Franc.

The 2021 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard

The 2021 Gualtallary is considered by critics to be one of the most complete and elegant wines El Enemigo has ever produced. It comes from a 1995 plot with 10,000 vines per hectare and chalky, rocky soils. It was fermented with 40 percent whole bunches in barriques and aged for 15 months in 100-year-old foudres. The result is a wine with a quiet, concentrated power that slowly unfolds. On the nose, the wine displays floral and spicy complexity with dark fruit in the background. The aroma continues to expand with air, with subtle notes of herbs, flowers, and earth complementing each other.

Vinification, structure and development

Vinification with a high proportion of whole bunches imparts tension, structure, and aromatic lift. Maturation in large, old foudres helps preserve Gualtallary's pure, mineral style. The texture is rich yet silky, with an energetic tension that displays both horizontal breadth and vertical intensity. The tannins are extremely refined and carried, while the acidity runs bright and sparkling throughout the wine. The finish builds slowly and lingers for minutes, combining elegance, depth, and mineral clarity. This wine can easily develop to at least 2040+ years.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2021 Gualtallary

The color is deep ruby purple and intense. The nose opens subdued yet complex, with violets, mountain herbs, earthy notes, dark berries, and floral accents. Upon tasting, the wine reveals a combination of power and refinement. The structure is slender yet deep, with a silky mouthfeel carried by mineral tension. The palate develops in layers, with dark fruit, floral notes, subtle spices, and an almost crystalline sense of energy. The finish is long, slowly building, and very precise. This is a wine that shines in balance and expression.

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 Gualtallary Single Vineyard

Rack of lamb with sage and grilled vegetables
The refined tannins and floral tension perfectly complement the aromatic character of the lamb.

Entrecote with black pepper and roasted mushrooms
The mineral depth and dark fruit notes make a powerful yet elegant pairing with grilled beef.

Risotto with porcini mushrooms and fresh herbs
The earthy notes and soft texture find a natural harmony with the layering of the wine.

Grilled eggplant with miso and thyme
The umami and soft smokiness complement the mineral tension and floral nuances beautifully.

Deer with beetroot and spicy jus
The powerful yet elegant structure supports the deep, sweet-earthy flavours of game dishes.

Pappardelle with mushroom and sage ragout
The combination of herbs, umami and creamy texture matches the refined energy of the wine.