At a glance

Producer

Bodega Aleanna (El Enemigo)

Region

Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

Grape variety

Cabernet Franc

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$55-$90 USD (international retail range)

Tasting profile

Intense red and black fruit (cherry, raspberry, plum), graphite, crushed herbs, tobacco, and subtle spice. Medium-plus body, savory depth, persistent finish.

Evolution: In early years: vibrant fruit, prominent herbal notes, underlying oak. With time: greater integration, forest floor, truffle, tertiary spice, and longer, silkier palate.

At peak: Silky texture, complex bouquet with sweet earth, worn leather, developed red fruit and floral perfume, seamless finish.

Structure

Acidity

Fresh, lively, balancing richness of fruit.

Tannins

Fine, structured, moderately firm with a supple finish.

Alcohol

Medium to full (typically 13.5%-14.0%).

Aging potential

Excellent; will cellar gracefully for at least a decade from vintage.

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2028

Optimal window

2024 to 2030

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window; suitable for enjoyment now but will develop further with cellaring.

Current condition

Youthful but open, with gradually integrating tannins and expressive fruit.

2019 is a structured, classic vintage for Mendoza; fruit-driven youth quickly evolves toward complexity. This site produces age-worthy Cabernet Franc—2019 will drink optimally from 2025-2028, though well-stored bottles can impress through 2030.

Food pairing

Best with grilled lamb, roast pork, duck breast, earthy mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and herbed Argentine asado.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine has fine, structured tannins that can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors, especially given its medium body and age.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focus on reduced pesticide use, natural vegetation cover crops, water management via drip irrigation, and energy-efficient technologies in the winery. Some initiatives with recyclable lightweight bottles and minimal packaging.

Bodega Aleanna does not hold organic or biodynamic certification for this cuvée, but is recognized in Argentina for improved vineyard and winery sustainability standards. Their approach to water use and energy conservation is above regional average. However, bottles exported to the US/EU/Asia incur higher carbon emissions compared to local Argentine consumption. Packaging improvements help but do not fully offset transportation impact. Thus, this wine scores moderately high on sustainability within Argentina, but the global carbon footprint tempers the overall score.