Bodega Aleanna 'Gran Enemigo' Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020 750ml

Product Info

95pts Vinous Media
The 2020 Cabernet Franc Gran Enemigo Gualtallary hails from the higher-altitude regions of the Uco Valley. Despite being produced in a warm year, this wine maintains a juicy essence, although it lacks depth. It opens with an intense bouquet of grapefruit, violet and wild herbs. Natural fruit flavors emerge on the palate, highlighted by blackberry hints and a chalky texture, culminating in a long, fruit-driven finish. This wine is vertical, showcasing slightly riper fruit nuances. It’s interesting how a region like Gualtallary can shift its profile between warm and cool years, emphasizing the extremes. Drinking Window 2026 - 2040 - By Joaquín Hidalgo on November 2024

Terroir
The Gualtallary vineyard sits high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, a site now regarded as one of the greatest terroirs in all of Argentina. Perched around 1,400 meters above sea level, the vineyard lies in a stark, desert-mountain landscape where sunlight is intense, winds are cooling, and nights are undeniably cold. The soils are the signature of Gualtallary—limestone-rich, with gravel, caliche, and pockets of sandy loam that stress the vines in exactly the right way, concentrating flavor while preserving striking natural acidity. The high altitude and extreme diurnal swing give the fruit a tension that sets this wine apart from nearly all Cabernet Francs outside the Loire. It is a terroir of austerity and purity, reflected in the wine’s mineral backbone, its sculpted edges, and its unmistakable sense of place.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The Gran Enemigo Gualtallary is crafted by Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena with the precision of a Grand Cru. Grapes are hand-picked in small boxes and carefully sorted to maintain pristine quality. Fermentation typically occurs in concrete with native yeasts, allowing the natural texture and aromatics of Cabernet Franc to emerge without excessive oak influence. Aging takes place in large, neutral foudres—Vigil’s hallmark—providing gentle oxygenation without imparting intrusive wood flavors. The 2020 vintage, marked by low yields and exceptional concentration, resulted in a wine that balances richness with vertical structure. Alcohol remains moderate thanks to the elevation, and acidity is naturally high, making the wine both powerful and beautifully chiseled.

Tasting Notes
The 2020 Gualtallary Cabernet Franc opens with penetrating aromatics: crushed violets, graphite dust, fresh tobacco leaf, wild herbs, and cool blueberries rising from the glass. With air, layers unfurl—red currant, black cherry, fennel seed, charred earth, and a subtle chalky note that is unmistakably Gualtallary. The palate is intense yet refined: a linear, mineral-driven attack leading into a mid-palate of dark fruits wrapped in fine, powdery tannins. There is energy and lift throughout, with acidity creating a feeling of both tension and elegance. The finish is incredibly long, marked by saline minerality, cocoa husk, dried flowers, and lingering Cabernet Franc spice. This is a wine that speaks more in architecture than opulence—angular, upright, and precise, yet undeniably deep and expressive. Still youthful, it will unfold magnificently over the next 15–20 years.

Food Pairing & Service
This is a wine best paired with dishes that reflect its structure and purity rather than overwhelming its subtlety. Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, duck breast with juniper, or charcoal-roasted pork loin all mirror the wine’s savory herbal tones. Mushroom dishes—such as porcini risotto or roasted maitakes—highlight its earth-driven complexity. Hard cheeses with age, especially Comté or aged Manchego, resonate beautifully with the wine’s mineral grip. Serve at 60–62°F (15–17°C) in a large Burgundy stem to allow the aromatic layers to fully open. Decanting for 1–2 hours is strongly recommended, especially in its youth, to release the wine’s depth, detail, and the distinctive limestone pulse of Gualtallary.