El Enemigo Semillón

Although Cabernet Franc is the star of Bodega Aleanna, in Mendoza (Argentina), the truth is that this project, whose wines are known as El Enemigo, is more focused on showcasing the terroir than the variety. So, although their Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2013 was the first Argentine wine to be awarded the coveted 100 Parker points, there are many other wines being made in its shadow. One of the lesser known, but equally stupendous wines is El Enemigo Semillón. This wine unfortunately goes unnoticed among the great award winners but, nevertheless, has its own talents. Although Argentine white wines are not as acclaimed as its reds, this small production of just a few bottles dazzles with its texture, freshness and elegance.

Its creators, Alejandro Vigil (Catena Zapata’s master winemaker) and Adrianna Catena (daughter of the driving force behind modern wine in Argentina, Nicolás Catena Zapata), are focused on the idea of rescuing some of the ancient Argentine winemaking techniques that have been forgotten over time, and on giving value to abandoned terroirs in the Mendoza region. Their El Enemigo Semillón comes from high-altitude vineyards in the municipality of Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo) and is made from Semillón grapes that are cultivated using respectful agriculture and limited yields. Once the grapes reach the winery, they are selected, destemmed and gently pressed, and the resulting must is fermented with native yeasts. The wine is then aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, with 20% under a yeast cap.

With El Enemigo Semillon, this creative duo fuses Old World winemaking traditions with the soul of the New World. A wonderful way to bring light and power to Argentine white wine.