BODEGA ALEANNA | El Enemigo | Gran Enemigo | Red Blend | 2020
malbec | cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon | merlot | petit verdot

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Founded by a winemaker and a historian, Bodega Aleanna is the passion project of Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, the youngest daughter of the legendary Nicolás Catena, who decided to make wines that would celebrate their shared love for literature, philosophy and tradition. This venture seeks to honor both tradition and rebellion, crafting wines that are deeply rooted in Mendoza’s history while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of its potential.
Today we are going to review a wine that requires no introduction, as this is a true classic from Mendoza, which is Argentina‘s flagship wine region – El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Red Blend 2020 by Bodega Aleanna. This wine is a Bordeaux-styled blend with a definitive Argentine soul, composed of  five grape varieties: malbec (50%), cabernet franc (25%), cabernet sauvignon (10%), merlot (10%) and petit verdot (5%), where malbec forms the wine’s main body and structure, cabernet franc builds a more refined mid-palate and adds some softness to the mouthfeel, cabernet sauvignon delivers a sturdy backbone of firm tannins, black fruit flavors and color depth, merlot offers a leaner and a more dynamic finish, whereas petit verdot lends that vibrant dark fruits character and adds extra tannin extract. The grapes for this wine are sourced from high altitude vineyards in Tupungato, which sit at up to 1470 meters above sea level. After the harvest, the grapes are fermented in concrete vats with 30% whole bunch, and then matured for 16 months in concrete vats and another 18 months in specially-tailored, 3000L barrels made of Alsatian wood, which were modelled on those used in Mendoza a century ago. The name ‘El Enemigo‘ means ‘The Enemy‘ – a nod to the internal battles we all face against our own limitations to achieve greatness.

Mendoza, Argentina’s largest and most renowned wine region, lies in the high-altitude desert at the foothills of the Andes, where vineyards are planted at altitudes between 600 to 1500 meters, thus benefiting from intense sunlight, cool mountain nights, and an arid climate moderated through Andean meltwater irrigation. Its alluvial soils, rich in sand, gravel, and stones with excellent drainage, naturally limit vine vigor and promote concentrated flavors, while pockets of limestone in top sub-regions, like Uco Valley and Maipú Valley, add a distinctive mineral edge to the wines. Though best known for producing the world’s finest expressions of malbec, Mendoza unique terroir also yield outstanding cabernet sauvignon, syrah, bonarda, and chardonnay. The region’s combination of desert purity, mountain influence, and diverse soils, produces wines of power, freshness, and remarkable elegance.
Situated at elevations ranging from 1000 to 1500 meters above sea level, Tupungato benefits from its unique high-altitude positioning. This elevation results in a pronounced diurnal temperature variation, with warm days and significantly cooler nights as compared to the rest of Mendoza, fostering balanced sugar and acidity levels in the grapes while promoting full phenolic ripeness. The region experiences a dry continental climate, receiving less than 200 mm of annual rainfall, which requires controlled irrigation sourced from Andean meltwater. The soils composition in Tupungato are predominantly alluvial, formed by clay and rock base, with sandy and stony surface that often includes large boulders and small pebbles. A key component is the presence of limestone, which retains water effectively, facilitating beneficial interactions between grapevine roots and soil microflora. This contributes to the production of quite concentrated wines with notable minerality, reflecting the textbook cool-climate elegance and finesse.

color: very-deep & opaque ruby color
clarity: noble purple shades at the rim

In the glass, the wine presents a very deep and concentrated ruby color, appearing almost opaque at its core. A youthful and vibrant purple hue flashes on the rim – a classic indicator of a Malbec-dominant blend that promises intensity and concentration from the very first glance.

intensity: rich & savory-delicate
fruit character: ripe & dusty

The aromatic profile is remarkably rich and multi-layered, shifting between savory delicacy and ripe fruit. The foreground is dominated by an intricate wave of savory notes, think old leather, brine-cured olives, and fine cured meats, seamlessly interwoven with a core of ripe yet dusty black fruits, including blackberry, wild black cherry, dry prune, and a hint of cassis. As the wine opens up, a sophisticated background emerges, revealing a tapestry of tertiary and mineral notes: toasted oakwood, dry oaktree bark, and dried tobacco leaf. These are complemented by a spicy touch of peppercorn and a distinct mineral streak of graphite, wet granite, and charcoal, all elegantly lifted by an elegant hint of violets.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: medium+ | balance: fine
finish: lasting  | aftertaste: crisp & velvety

The palate confirms the wine’s high-altitude pedigree, as the wine feels both, powerful and well structured. It is a textbook expression of a modern Argentine blend, showcasing vibrant black fruits with a characteristic dusty minerality. The mouthfeel is ample and velvety, coating the palate with a rich texture that is beautifully balanced by a firm, grippy structure. This is a full-bodied wine that carries its weight with grace. The main elements are in perfect harmony: it feels bone-dry, with bright acidity that provides freshness and length. The alcohol is well-integrated, lending warmth without heat. The tannins are ripe and fine-grained, providing a chalky grip that leads into a long, crisp, and velvety-persistent aftertaste.

maturity: developing | drink now or in the next 3 to 5 years
verdict: excellent | a reference wine | a wine that can reach into the realm of perfection

Overall, this is a remarkably ample and voluptuous wine that masterfully balances power with elegance – the epitome of a modern, high-altitude Malbec blend, that manages to combine the varietal’s vibrant fruit with the dusty, mineral-driven delicacy of Mendoza’s textbook terroir. The use of oak is masterfully restrained, adding complexity without obscuring the wine’s sense of place. This Gran Enemigo blend is still developing – ready to be enjoyed today, but its true character will be revealed over the next 3 to 5 years.

The savory-delicate character of this wine calls for a dish of equal stature – an elegant complementary pairing would be a slow-roasted rack of lamb encrusted with herbs and garlic, served with a side of root vegetable gratin. The richness of the lamb will be beautifully sliced through by the wine’s vibrant acidity, while the fine-grained tannins will bind with the protein, softening the wine’s texture. The wine’s earthy and savory notes will resonate with the herbs and roasted vegetables in the dish, thus creating a deeply satisfying and harmonious dining experience. Enjoy!
BODEGA ALEANNA | El Enemigo | Gran Enemigo | Red Blend | 2020
variety: malbec | cabernet franc | cabernet sauvignon | merlot | petit verdot
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza
rating: 96.2

The El Enemigo project has been created by Alejandro Vigil, often dubbed the ‘Messi of Wine’ for his incredible winemaking talent, and Adrianna Catena – a partnership between science and history that is reflected in their wines. The Gran Enemigo line has achieved legendary status over the last decade, with previous vintages earning near-perfect scores from top critics like Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!