2022 Gran Enemigo Torrontes
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Fermented in clay amphorae 10 days, then aged 18 months in French oak, the 2022 Torrontes Gran Enemigo is light-bodied and impressive, tasting of crisp citrus and lychee. Floral aromatics complete the picture, giving the wine a pretty edge that's enjoyable from start to finish. Drink now. Translating as “The Enemy,” this is a partnership between winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, a historian and sister of Laura and Ernesto (daughter of Nicolas). Started in 2008, two of the primary focuses are Cabernet Franc and Bonarda, in addition to Malbec and many other varieties, including stellar whites. Every bottle carries the quote, “At the end of the journey, we remember only one battle: the one we fought against ourselves, the one that defined us.”
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Jeb Dunnuck
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
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The 2022 Gran Enemigo Torrontés derives from 150-year-old pergola-trained vines in Gualtallary and matured for 18 months in 500-liter barrels under a layer of flor. It opens with a radiant nose of orange blossom, citrus oil and an elegant touch of jasmine notes that drastically contrast the variety's typically more exuberant profile. The palate is fresh and tensile with impressive textural density, seamlessly transitioning into a layered, bracing, resonant finish. This is an uncommonly focused and transparent expression of the variety.
The 2022 Torrontés Gran Enemigo comes from a vineyard at the highest point of Gualtallary, around 1,500 meters in elevation. In this very cool site for a long-cycle variety, the house style harvests early and ages for eight months in foudres , preserving floral and herbal aromas alongside fresh mandarin peel and subtle oak tones of cedar and caramel. Medium-bodied and slightly compact, the palate offers layered flavors anchored in freshness. With an Alsatian nod, this gains an extra lift from its low alcohol, adding energy to the mouthfeel.
About the producer
El Enemigo has quickly become one of Argentina’s top wine estates, specialising in high-altitude, single-vineyard Cabernet Franc cuvées and Bordeaux blends. They also produce a range of single-vineyard cuvées from the lesser-known variety Bonarda.