In the world of Argentine wine, few names command as much respect as Alejandro Vigil. Known as the "Messi of Wine" and Chief Winemaker at Catena Zapata, Vigil teamed up with historian Adrianna Catena to create something personal, gritty, and profoundly connected to the earth: Bodega Aleanna, better known as El Enemigo.
The name ("The Enemy") refers to the internal battles we fight to surpass ourselves. But in the glass, the result is pure victory. Located in the high-altitude terroir of Gualtallary, Tupungato, El Enemigo has shifted the global perception of Argentine wine, proving that Mendoza is world-class territory for Cabernet Franc and structured whites, not just Malbec.
At Mosto Wine Store, we are proud to stock the essential lineup of this cult winery. Here is a look at the bottles you need to know.
The Philosophy: Gualtallary and Old Foudres
What makes El Enemigo taste so distinct? It is the combination of high-altitude calcareous soils (rocky and rich in calcium carbonate) and traditional winemaking.
Vigil uses wild yeasts and ages the wines in 100-year-old Alsatian foudres. This minimizes the oaky vanilla flavors typical of modern wines, allowing the "chalky" texture and the pure fruit of Gualtallary to shine through.
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2022
This is the wine that started the Cabernet Franc revolution in South America. It is arguably the best value-for-quality wine in the entire country.
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The Blend: It is actually a blend of 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec. The Malbec fills the mid-palate, giving roundness to the nervous tension of the Franc.
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The Vintage (2022): This is a key selling point. Alejandro Vigil himself stated: "This is the best year that I have lived through." The 2022 harvest delivered optimal acidity and perfect polyphenol ripeness.
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Tasting Notes: Expect a deep calcareous profile. It is savory, with notes of black fruit, spices, and a long, mineral finish.
Buy El Enemigo Cabernet Franc Online
El Enemigo Bonarda 2022
Before Malbec, Bonarda was the most planted grape in Argentina. El Enemigo rescues this heritage varietal but gives it a "Vigil twist."
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The Terroir Mix: This wine blends grapes from two distinct areas. The Bonarda (85%) comes from El Mirador (Rivadavia), a warmer sandy area that gives sweet, juicy fruit. The Cabernet Franc (15%) comes from the rocky soils of Gualtallary, adding verticality and structure.
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Why try it: It breaks the myth that Bonarda is just a "pizza wine." With 15 months of aging in foudres and barrels, it has elegance and complexity while remaining incredibly drinkable.
El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023
If you think you know Chardonnay, think again. This is produced in a style reminiscent of the Jura (France) or Jerez (Spain), often developing a layer of "flor" (yeast) that protects the wine and adds unique nutty, salty notes.
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The Vintage (2023): A year marked by powerful minerality. A dry climate and early harvest resulted in wines with high natural acidity and low alcohol (13% vol), making them extremely elegant and age-worthy.
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Winemaking: Fermented and aged in 500L French oak barrels (35% new). The result is not a butter bomb, but a sharp, textured, and saline white wine that pairs perfectly with seafood or soft cheeses.
Why Buy El Enemigo at Mosto Wine Store?
El Enemigo wines are highly allocated and often sell out quickly upon release. We source directly to ensure you get the latest vintages—like the exceptional 2022 reds and 2023 whites—stored in perfect condition.
Visit Our Collection of El Enemigo Wines
Whether you are looking for the "best vintage ever" of the Cabernet Franc or the unique character of the Bonarda, we deliver these Mendoza gems directly to your door in the US and worldwide.