2022 El Enemigo Malbec

El Enemigo and the vision behind the project

El Enemigo is the joint project of Alejandro Vigil, Catena's Technical Director, and Adrianna Catena. Their ambition is to create wines that showcase the diversity and altitude of Mendoza's premium terroirs. El Enemigo's style is energetic, precise, and always focused on terroir expression. The line includes affordable varietal wines and some of Argentina's most prized single-vineyard wines. Within this portfolio, Malbec continues to hold a prominent place, alongside the increasingly prominent role of Cabernet Franc. The 2022 Malbec once again demonstrates the elegance, spice, and layering of Uco Valley Malbec.

The origin of the grapes and the terroir

The 2022 Malbec comes from the Adrianna Vineyard, one of the highest and most iconic vineyards in the Uco Valley. The soil consists of alluvial, calcareous structures that give the wine tension, freshness, and mineral depth. The altitude allows for cool nights and slow ripening, resulting in aromatic complexity and lively acidity. The small percentage of Cabernet Franc, ten percent, adds floral nuances, structure, and a light spiciness. This combination makes the wine distinctive and characteristic of the Andes.

The modern style of El Enemigo Malbec

El Enemigo consciously chooses a style that prioritizes freshness and detail. The 2022 vintage was fermented entirely with whole bunches, creating tension and lift in aroma and flavor. Maturation lasted fifteen months in a combination of foudre, stainless steel, and partial oak barrels, giving the wine texture without heavy oak notes. This gives the wines an elegant, almost European style, with abundant energy and a subtle spicy note. Reviews for this vintage emphasize the clarity of the fruit, the floral tension, and the precise structure.

The 2022 El Enemigo Malbec

The nose opens with a blend of blackcurrant, violet, mountain herbs, and subtle earthy notes. Some tasting notes also reveal asphalt, herbs, and light oak. Structurally, the wine stands out for its sharp precision, medium body, fine tannins, and distinct mineral tension. There's a beautiful balance between aromatic freshness and deep fruit notes such as blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry. The style is modern and sleek, with a chalky texture and a pronounced, focused finish. The wine is already drinking well, but will continue to develop until at least 2035.

Vinification and maturation of the 2022 Malbec

Fermentation with 100% whole bunches gives the wine floral lift and spice. Vinification focuses on finesse, allowing the fruit to remain pure and open. Fifteen months of aging in foudre, tank, and partial oak create depth without the wood dominating. The tannins remain refined and grippy, a combination typical of Malbec from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley. The wine has an energetic flow, subtle spice, and a slightly earthy note that enhances its complexity.

Color, aroma and taste of the 2022 El Enemigo Malbec

The color is deep purple, clear, and intense. The aroma immediately reveals notes of blackcurrant, violets, herbs, and earthy nuances. The fruit is supported by notes of plum, graphite, and subtle floral hints of chamomile and pennyroyal. The palate is slender, juicy, and lively. The texture is soft yet grippy. The finish is focused, pure, and mineral, with a light pepperiness and a fresh, fruity finish. The wine is already appealing, but will gain additional depth with several years of bottle aging.

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 2022 El Enemigo Malbec

Grilled sirloin steak with chimichurri
The freshness, floral tension and dark fruit notes perfectly complement the herbs and grilled character of the meat.

Lamb chops with thyme and rosemary
The elegant tannins and subtle spices in the wine enhance the aromatic notes of the lamb.

Mushroom risotto with Parmesan
The earthy flavours and creamy texture provide a nice balance to the mineral and fruity intensity of the wine.

Grilled eggplant with miso and sesame
The umami and smoky notes match well with the energetic structure and fruitiness of the Malbec.

Stuffed peppers with quinoa and herbs
The spices and light sweetness of paprika complement the floral notes and compact structure of the wine.

Short ribs with black pepper and citrus zest
The combination of fat, spices and freshness goes well with the depth and tight minerality of the wine.