Bodega Aleanna, El Enemigo, Chardonnay 2022
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety Chardonnay
Vintage 2022
ABV 13%
Crafted by Alejandro Vigil, Argentina’s master of Chardonnay, El Enemigo Chardonnay 2022 is a bold and unconventional expression of high-altitude white wine. Grown in the calcareous, rocky soils of Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, this 100% Chardonnay is fermented using wild yeast and aged for 9 months in 500L French oak barrels—35% of which are new. Uniquely, this vintage is aged under flor (a yeast layer), a technique inspired by Fino Sherry and Jura wines, delivering exceptional depth and complexity.
Tasting Notes:
This distinctive Argentinian Chardonnay aged under flor offers a leesy, saline, and racy profile with aromas of ripe lemon, apple, and hints of honey. The palate is layered and refined, featuring toasty oak, yeasty notes, and a long, clean finish. The subtle oxidative character adds a savoury twist, making this white wine truly stand out among South American Chardonnays.
Expert Ratings & Reviews:
• 98 Points – James Suckling
“A tight and beautiful white with ripe lemons and apples. Complex yeast and flor influence, with great structure and phenolic tension.”
• 95 Points – Tim Atkin MW
“Jura was the inspiration for this boundary-pushing Chardonnay. Aged under flor, this is leesy, saline, and superbly fresh.”
Discover El Enemigo Wines – Artisan Argentine Wines from Mendoza's High-Altitude Vineyards
Founded in 2010, El Enemigo Wines is the brainchild of Adrianna Catena, daughter of renowned vintner Nicolás Catena Zapata and celebrated winemaker Alejandro Vigil, the visionary behind Bodega Catena Zapata. This boutique wine label was born from a shared passion for terroir-driven winemaking and a bold ambition to challenge conventional methods.
Crafted in the Piedemonte al Sur region of Mendoza, Argentina, the El Enemigo vineyards are planted at altitudes ranging from 930 to 1,470 metres above sea level, in the southern reaches of Luján de Cuyo. These extreme elevations create a unique microclimate, producing grapes with exceptional freshness, depth, and character.
El Enemigo stands for more than just wine it represents the internal battles and creative risks that come with breaking tradition. The name “El Enemigo,” meaning “the enemy,” symbolises the brand’s fearless commitment to innovation and authenticity in winemaking.
From Argentine Cabernet Franc to high-altitude Malbec blends, each bottle is a tribute to the land and a testament to the pursuit of excellence. These limited-production wines are ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, and wine lovers seeking something rare, expressive, and unconventional.