El Enemigo As Bravas Gualtallary Malbec 2018
El Enemigo As Bravas Gualtallary Malbec 2018 is a dry, full-bodied red from Malbec, Sémillon (Gualtallary, Argentina), in the rich, smooth reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity fresh; oak influence is some. Good with steak, Mexican food, barbecue, blue cheese. Drink now or within 20 years (to about 2046). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 99/100 (merchant-reported). Cheapest offer £92.59 at 8wines UK.
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2020 Colome · Salta | £116.44 | |||
| Matias Riccitelli & Father 2023 Matias Riccitelli · Mendoza | £62.04 | |||
| Caymus Red Schooner Voyage 12 Caymus · California | £61.73 | |||
| Henri Magnien Gevrey Chambertin Premier Cru Estournelles Saint-Jacques 2024 Henri Magnien · Burgundy | £92.41 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. El Enemigo is an Argentine winery founded in 2009 by Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena, specializing in Bordeaux-inspired wines. Made with Malbec grapes (and small additions of Semillon) from a small vineyard of less than one hectare located in Gualtallary at 1,600 meters above sea level in the Uco Valley. The ungrafted vines, planted in 2003, are rooted in the calcareous and stony soils typical of the Gualtallary region. The climate is characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night. These conditions, combined with the altitude, favor slow ripening, ensuring the development of natural acidity. After vinification in concrete tanks, the finished wine ages in large barrels for approximately 64 months, before a further 12 months in bottle. On the nose, the wine reveals an intense and rich aromatic profile with notes of blueberry, black cherry, and mulberry, hints of violet and tobacco leaf, against a mineral background. On the palate, it is dense and complex, smooth and balanced, with a juicy concentration of fruit and a refreshing, well-balanced acidity. The finish is long and minerally. It pairs perfectly with many beef recipes, whether enchiladas, Korean-style beef stir-fry, or grilled steak.