At a glance

Producer

Bodega Aleanna (El Enemigo)

Region

El Cepillo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-$160 USD

Tasting profile

Intense black cherry, cassis, graphite, tobacco, herbal and floral tones. Vibrant acidity and firm tannins. Slight spicy oak.

Evolution: With age, expect tertiary notes of leather, violet, cedar, and earth. Fruit profile will deepen; tannins will smooth.

At peak: Complex, elegant, and deeply expressive: layers of fruit, subtle minerality, and polished texture at maturity.

Structure

Acidity

Bright, balancing the richness

Tannins

Firm and polished, prominent youthful grip

Alcohol

Typically 13-14.5% ABV, moderate for Mendoza reds

Aging potential

High; Can develop nuance and complexity for 15+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2032 to 2038

Optimal window

2027 to 2042

Current status

Young, suitable for early enjoyment but built for aging

Current condition

Structured, vibrant, decanting recommended if drinking now

The Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard bottlings are noted for their serious, ageworthy structure—particularly those from El Cepillo, a cool-climate subregion. Ideal drinking will see the integration of primary fruit and oak with emerging savory, earthy notes between 10-15 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Rack of lamb, venison, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has firm and polished tannins with a prominent youthful grip, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance its aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Partial organic vineyard management, deficit irrigation for water conservation, cover cropping, integrated pest management, reduction of chemical inputs, solar energy at winery, light-weight glass bottles for reduced footprint.

Bodega Aleanna (El Enemigo) is a leader in sustainable winemaking in Argentina, implementing water- and energy-saving measures, ecosystem preservation, and responsible vineyard inputs. While the winery achieves a strong sustainability profile through these practices and industry certification, absence of formal organic/biodynamic status and international shipping for most markets temper the overall score.