El Enemigo is the collaborative venture of Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolás Catena, and Alejandro Vigil, renowned Chief Winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata. Located at the southern foothills of Mendoza’s impressive Andes range, aptly named Piedemonte al Sur, the estate sources fruit from vineyards planted as early as 1986, at elevations between 1,400 and 1,500 m above sea level. This high-altitude terroir, combined with calcareous, rocky, sandy-loam soils, creates ideal conditions for crafting Malbecs of yin-yang power and elegance.
“El Enemigo”, Spanish for “The Enemy”, symbolises the internal battle every winemaker faces amid vineyard challenges and high-altitude conditions. It is also a reflection of the winemaking duo’s ambition to craft Argentine wines that rival Europe’s finest. The project is a modern homage to Argentine heritage, blending Catena’s historical legacy with Vigil’s winemaking mastery.
In the glass, the 2022 Malbec shines with bright purple hues. The aromatics combine ripe black cherry, plum, and darker berry fruit, layered with herbal notes of thyme and a touch of violet. On the palate, it is rich, fluid, and impeccably balanced, plush yet structured. Silky tannins and vibrant acidity support flavours of blackberry, black cherry, baking spice, and gently savoury earth. The finish is long, refined, and satisfying, with an elegant tannic grip.
