gran enemigo single vineyard gualtallary cabernet franc 2019 750ml

Region:
Mendoza: South America is a continent where you can find some of the most remarkable wines worldwide. One of the most prolific regions in this part of the world is without a doubt Mendoza, located near the Andes, in western Argentina.
Winemaking in Mendoza is a tale as old as time. In the late 19th century, wine production in this region increased and that's when Argentinian wines began their journey to some of the most luxurious restaurants outside the local market.
What makes Mendoza grapes so fascinating is the prolonged growing season due to warm weather during the day and much cooler nights, so an impeccable balance between rich sweetness and fantastic acidity can be reached. Mendoza wines are therefore quite tannic, with well-known minerality and consistent quality year after year.

In Mendoza, you're most likely to find Criolla Grande and Cereza grape varieties, along with Malbec, maybe the most widely planted variety, and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. This diversity contributed to Mendoza's wine tourism, featuring the National Harvest Festival celebrated in March, where you can enjoy tons of wine tasting events. Maybe you'll get a chance to meet one of the ravishing Catena Zapata blends, or a famous Malbec red called Trapiche.

Country:
Argentina: Argentina is a beautiful place when it comes to wine. The climate conditions in its most important sub-regions help stave off insects, molds, fungi, and other problems that would impede production. This allows the winemakers to hold off on pesticides and similar tools, making the wines that much more delicious and compelling. It's definitely possible to identify various European influences on the region's winemaking style, but what matters most is the big picture. Once you start exploring Argentine wines, it's hard to stop, because there's so much to discover. Start your journey, and learn why wine is considered Argentina's national liquor.

Type of Wine

Argentina Red: If there were ever a single word that could perfectly describe fine Argentinian wines, it would be "purity." Red wine lovers could easily become spoiled for choice when that choice involves varietals such as Malbec or Tempranillo. With a complete dedication to a given grape, each bottle tells a compelling story, so have a seat and listen.Varietal Proprietary Blend: There's a level of mystery and intrigue when it comes to drinking a wine for which you're not fully informed about, and if that sounds like a thrilling idea to you, then you're probably already interested in proprietary blends. While the concept doesn't have a legal definition, it is used to describe blends whose components aren't disclosed by the producer. In many cases, the wine tends to be a Bordeaux-inspired blend, but this isn't always the case.

Winemaker Notes

El Gran Enemigo SV Gualtallary shows a deep purple color with red highlights. Its aromas are intense and elegant. Cabernet Franc brings sweet spices, black pepper and light notes of eucalyptus and thyme. Malbec brings notes of ripe black fruits, blackberries and black cherries. The oak aging gives a touch of chocolate and vanilla to blend. The taste is complex, sweet impact with structured tannins, and a very long and persistent finish. This wine was made in honor of the old Pomerol style where Cabernet Franc was blended with the other Bordeaux varieties.

Blend: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec

Critical Acclaim:

RP98, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"One of the finest and more regular wines from Argentina, the 2018 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard is austere and shows restraint, with great freshness and gobsmacking balance and complexity, but in the context of the 2019 and 2020 vintages that I also tasted next to it, it comes thorough as slightly less refined but still with 13.5% alcohol and with very good parameters of acidity and freshness. It has a medium-bodied palate and a rare combination of power and elegance, with very fine, chalky tannins. It's very long and has a salty and tasty finish."

JS96, James Suckling

"Aromas of violets, almond blossoms, wild blackberries, blueberries, ash, tea leaves and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and finely knit tannins. Mineral, tea-like edge, supporting a fresh core of blue fruit. Refined and subtle, yet comforting. Try from 2023."

WS93, Wine Spectator

"Well-structured, with nice elegance and tension, offering dusty floral and spice notes against a core of fleshy red plum and strawberry flavors that swell midpalate around fresh, mineral acidity. Shows notes of spiced chocolate on the finish. Drink now through 2032."

WE92, Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of red plum and dried herbs blend with small doses of vanilla. Made with grapes sourced from Gualtallary, it’s full bodied and energetic, with a herbaceous character demanding attention on the vibrant palate. Plum, blackberry and green bell pepper join oak spice. It finishes with notes of tobacco."

750ml Bottle