El Enemigo La Esperanza Single Vineyard Bonarda 2022
El Enemigo La Esperanza Single Vineyard Bonarda 2022 is a dry, medium-bodied red from Bonarda (Mendoza, Argentina), in the juicy, fruity reds style. Tannins are soft and acidity fresh; oak influence is little. Good with barbecue, pizza, bolognese, sausages. Drink within 8 years (to about 2030). No need to decant. Critic score 94/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Posta Armando Bonarda 2023 Luca · Mendoza | £12.62 | |||
| Villa Sparina, Montej Rosso 2021 Villa Sparina · Monferrato | £15.80 | |||
| Montresor ‘Urban Park’ Appassimento 2021 Vini Montresor · Veneto | £15.75 | |||
| Negraro Rosso Appassiemento 2023 Vini Fabiano · Veneto | £16.50 |
Cellar for up to 8 years. No need to decant before serving. El Enemigo was founded by historian Adrianna Catena, who is also Nicolas Catena’s youngest daughter, and Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil in 2009. These two legendary figures on the Argentine wine scene came together over a mutual love for literature and philosophy, and decided to create their own wine label that would offer a unique taste of Argentina’s exceptional terroir and its Old World winemaking heritage. Today the brand is responsible for many of the most exciting wines coming out of Argentina, including this sensational single vineyard Bonarda. Bonarda is little-known in Europe these days, but it has a special place in Argentina where it’s considered the nation’s second red wine after Malbec. La Esperanza is a very special 150 year old vineyard that was about to be uprooted when it was discovered by Alejandro Vigil. Luckily he was able to save 5 hectares from which he makes a few hundred bottles of this wine each vintage. Once in the winery this precious fruit is vinified with wild yeasts and the young wine ages in large foudres that are over 100 years old. The result is a remarkably elegant and vibrant red that’s bursting with luscious red cherries, plums and blackberries as well as hints of dark chocolate. A charming wine to serve with tomato-based dishes thanks to the refreshing acidity, smooth tannins, and bright fruit flavours.