2021 Gran Enemigo Red Blend, El Enemigo
Mendoza, Argentina
Or as we call it – “The Rebel Masterpiece”
Deep garnet in the glass, this is a wine that makes a statement before the first sip. Aromas of blackcurrant, plum, graphite and violets rise from the glass, joined by savoury notes of cedar, mocha, and spice. The palate is powerful yet poised with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in fine, chalky tannins and a mineral backbone that reflects its high-altitude Andean vineyards. Layered, complex and beautifully balanced, it finishes long and pure, with that unmistakable El Enemigo energy.
For when: the dinner’s important, or you just want to drink something extraordinary.
Pairs with: grilled ribeye, venison, or anything deserving of real attention.
If this wine were a mood, it’d be quiet confidence with a glint of rebellion.
A collaboration between winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena, Gran Enemigo is Argentina’s benchmark Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Franc leading the charge, supported by Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Each vineyard is vinified separately, then aged under flor in large oak barrels to create complexity and tension.
Whats in the bottle
Malbec 50%, Cabernet Franc 30%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15%, Merlot 5%
Notable Awards
96 Pts, Vinous, 2025
95 Pts, Descorchados, 2025
Complete the look:
- Producer Information
- Winemaking
- Tech Stuff
El Enemigo was founded in 2010 by Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolás Catena Zapata, along with Alejandro Vigil, the award-winning head winemaker of Bodega Catena Zapata. The El Enemigo vineyards are located in the Piedemonte al Sur region of Mendoza, south of Luján de Cuyo, at high altitudes between 930 and 1,470 metres. El Enemigo was born from a desire to carve their own path and a shared obsession with terroir. They thrive in the thrill of experimentation and delight in the new and unconventional. Their philosophy is to create wines that reflect the freshness and character of each individual vineyard: a pure expression of their exceptional terroir. The name “El Enemigo”, which translates as ‘the enemy’, is a nod to the internal battles and challenges they faced in their pursuit of excellence in winemaking, and to the idea of challenging the status quo. Their captivating wines are highly sought-after.
The grapes were harvested over five separate passes spanning 1.5 months to ensure optimal ripeness and balance. A cold maceration period of five days was followed by a wild yeast fermentation in concrete vats at an average temperature of 22°C. Total maceration lasted an average of 23 days, with 20% of the grapes fermented as whole bunches, imparting further complexity. Maturation lasted 16 months in concrete vats.
Country
Argentina
Producer
El Enemigo
Region
Mendoza
Sub-Region
Uco Valley
Vintage
2021
Types
Red Wine
Grape
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot
Size
750ml
2021 Gran Enemigo Red Blend, El Enemigo
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- Argentina