One of Argentina’s most sought-after wines is the El Enemigo “Gran Enemigo” Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary, a subregion of Mendoza’s high-elevation Uco Valley. Vintage after vintage, it is quickly snapped up by collectors, proof of both its quality and its growing popularity. A collaboration between Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, historian and daughter of the legendary Nicolás Catena, El Enemigo produces elegant, quietly powerful styles of wine, with the Gran Enemigo Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary standing out as one of their top bottlings – a wine to rival the best of Right Bank Bordeaux. And while the Gran Enemigo is built for the cellar, also not to be missed is its younger sibling, the El Enemigo Cabernet Franc. Priced at just a fraction of the Gran Enemigo, it offers a peek into the house style of the famed winery, at a weeknight price. Like its older sibling, it is composed primarily of Cabernet Franc with a small percentage of Malbec, sourced from high-elevation vineyards to help retain freshness, purity and structure, but it is crafted in a more youthful, ready-to-drink style. The result is a wine with slightly less intensity and concentration, yet still marked by vibrant fruit, fine-boned structure, and a persistent finish. Bursting with juicy red and black currant, raspberry and plum notes, it is highly approachable immediately after opening, with savory green herb notes adding complexity on the palate. Supple, easygoing and highly delicious, this might just be the perfect weeknight wine.

Bold yet refined, this Cabernet Franc opens with aromas of black cherry, plum, and cassis layered with notes or graphite, dried herbs and subtle spice. The palate is rich and structured, balancing ripe dark fruit with fresh acidity and firm, polished tannins. A savory edge and gentle oak influence add depth, leading to a long, complex finish. A standout expression of Argentine Cabernet Franc that combines power, elegance, and distinctive varietal character.

Blue, blue, BLUE - both on the palate and on the nose. When we were tasting this wines it brought me back to the times of driving up and down the California central valley and picking through blueberry fields. Right on first whiff you get bright blue and purple fruit, a little bit of green herbs, and the smallest hint of pepper. People often times think of wines from Mendoza as being these super rich, concentrated, oaky wines, and this wine is the furthest from that style as possible. Super approachable, incredibly fresh and juicy, with a nice long finish and zippy acidity - definitely a crowd pleaser, and will also wow any of the wine aficionado's you may be hosting - all being delivered for a great price. Don't sleep on Argentina - the region is always full of surprises!