El Enemigo is one of the most compelling stories in modern Argentine wine. Founded in 2010 by Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolas Catena Zapata, and Alejandro Vigil, the acclaimed head winemaker of Bodega Catena Zapata, it was born of a shared obsession with terroir and a desire to carve a path entirely their own.The name translates as the enemy: a nod to the internal battles fought in pursuit of excellence, and to a healthy instinct for challenging the status quo. That spirit runs through everything they bottle.The vineyards lie in the Piedemonte al Sur, south of Lujan de Cuyo, at altitudes between 930 and 1,470 metres. Here the pair experiment freely, delighting in the new and unconventional, always in service of wines that express the freshness and character of each individual site.The range spans a saline, chalky Chardonnay and a textural Chenin Blanc through Malbec and Syrah Viognier to the celebrated Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc single vineyards of El Cepillo, Agrelo, Gualtallary and Chacayes, and the rare As Bravas.Highly sought-after and placed 17th in the World’s Best Vineyards Awards 2025, these are wines of tension, precision and unmistakable personality.
Gran Enemigo Los Chacayes, Tunuyán showcases the elegance and complexity of Cabernet France complemented by Malbec grown in alluvial soils, rich in limestone. The fruit comes from the Los Chacayes, Tunuyán vineyard which is located at 1,100 metres. It is one of four Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc wines crafted by winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Each wine features the same blend, 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec, follows an identical vinification process and ageing time, highlighting their shared DNA. The distinction arises from the unique soil types and altitudes of their origins, showcasing the variety’s transparency and its ability to reflect the nuances of each terroir. For Gualtallary, the focus is on the character of the alluvial soils rich in limestone. While not certified, the vineyard adheres to organic practices, prioritising biodiversity, water conservation, and integrated farming methods. Natural herb and pest control further underscores their commitment to sustainable viticulture, complemented by the winery’s sustainability certification from Bodegas of Argentina. High trellises and drip irrigation maximise sun exposure and water efficiency, and the grapes are hand-picked.
