El Enemigo La Esperanza Single Vineyard Bonarda 2020

This wine can be cellared for up to 8 years. There’s no need to decant it before serving.

El Enemigo was founded in 2009 by historian Adrianna Catena, the youngest daughter of Nicolas Catena, and Alejandro Vigil, the chief winemaker at Catena Zapata. These two iconic figures in the Argentinian wine scene were brought together by their shared love of literature and philosophy, leading them to create their own wine label. Their vision was to offer a unique expression of Argentina’s exceptional terroir and its Old World winemaking heritage.

Today, the brand is responsible for many of the most exciting wines emerging from Argentina, including this sensational single-vineyard Bonarda. While Bonarda is relatively unknown in Europe today, it holds a special place in Argentina, where it is considered the nation’s second red grape after Malbec. La Esperanza is a remarkable 150-year-old vineyard that was on the verge of being uprooted when it was discovered by Alejandro Vigil. Fortunately, he was able to save 5 hectares, from which he produces a limited quantity of this wine each vintage.

Once in the winery, this precious fruit is vinified with wild yeasts, and the young wine is aged in large foudres that are over 100 years old. The result is a remarkably elegant and vibrant red, bursting with luscious flavors of red cherries, plums, and blackberries, complemented by hints of dark chocolate. With its refreshing acidity, smooth tannins, and bright fruit flavors, this charming wine is an excellent choice to serve with tomato-based dishes.