El Enemigo

Brand Description

El Enemigo translates as the enemy. Nodding to the fact that at the end of any journey, most remember only one battle — the one fought within (the original enemy). This is the battle that defines us. The wines of El Enemigo are a tribute to those internal battles that make us who we are, brought to fruition by a winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, and a historian, Adrianna Catena who share a love of wine and reach back in time to capture the era when European immigrants first settled in Argentina. These settlers sought to make wines as fine, and finer, than those of their old homeland. By 1936, Malbec and Petit Verdot were the most widely planted fine varietals in Argentina, their blend considered the ultimate in refinement and aging potential.

Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy

El Enemigo is produced at BESA, located in the Vista Flores district in Tunuyán, Mendoza. The facility is named for the unique aspect of Mendoza’s high-altitude winemaking region nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains. 

Alejandro Vigil is a soil expert, winemaker, and agronomist. He is the Chief Winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata, the former head of the soil division at Argentina’s Wine Institute, and the former head of the soil division of INTA. 

Adrianna Catena is the daughter of Nicolás Catena. She has a Master’s Degree in Early Modern Iberian Atlantic history from the University of Oxford. Her dream is to continue the family legacy of winemaking while pursuing a passion for history and writing from a cottage surrounded by vineyards in the Argentine Andes.

Alejandro Vigil
Adrianna
Aleanna Winery
Alejandro Vigil
Chacayes
Concrete Egg with Soil Map
Enemigo Vineyard
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Winery Profile
Owner: Alejandro Vigil & Adrianna Catena
Winemaker: Alejandro Vigil
Founded: 2007
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Acclaim
“El Enemigo’s entry-point Malbec, blended with 5% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, comes from vines at 1,300 metres in Gualtallary. Fermented with 60% whole bunches, ti has appealing ginger and vanilla oak, flavours of liquorice, plum and blackberry and the supple, sculpted tannins that are part of the bodega’s style.” — acclaim for 2021 El Enemigo Malbec from Tim Atkin, MW, Jun 2024
“One of the wines that has turned El Enemigo into a global phenomenon, this cleverly marketed Cabernet Franc includes 10% Malbec for an extra layer of complexity. Graphite, rose petal and jarilla aromas are an appealing introduction to a smooth, sweetly fruited palate of chocolate, black cherry and patisserie spices.” — acclaim for 2021 El Enemigo Cabernet Franc from Tim Atkin, MW, Jun 2024
“Alejandro Vigil allows a little flor to develop on the surface of his complex Gualtallary Chardonnay, giving it a salty undertone. Flavours of oatmeal, orange peel and waxed lemons are complemented by some oak spice and sweetness and a drizzle of dried honey.” — acclaim for 2022 El Enemigo Chardonnay from Tim Atkin, MW, Jun 2024
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