Bodega Aleanna, El Enemigo, Chardonnay 2023
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety Chardonnay
Vintage 2023
ABV 13%
El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023 – Bodega Aleanna Mendoza
An Award-Winning Argentinian Chardonnay
The El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023 from Bodega Aleanna is one of the most exciting white wines to emerge from Argentina’s high-altitude vineyards. Crafted by renowned winemaker Alejandro Vigil, this distinctive Chardonnay showcases the remarkable terroir of Mendoza and the innovative winemaking philosophy that has made the El Enemigo range internationally acclaimed.
Produced from vineyards in Gualtallary in the Uco Valley, this wine captures the freshness and minerality that define the region’s best white wines. The 2023 vintage highlights the precision and balance that have made El Enemigo a favourite among collectors and critics alike.
What sets this wine apart is its unique ageing under flor, a technique more commonly associated with traditional Spanish sherries and the wines of Jura. This rare method adds a savoury, complex dimension to the wine, elevating it beyond typical New World Chardonnay.
For wine lovers seeking a characterful, terroir-driven white, El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023 offers exceptional value and quality.
Critics’ Scores & Reviews
The 2023 vintage of El Enemigo Chardonnay has received outstanding praise from leading wine critics:
96 Points – James Suckling
“Salty and spicy, with aromas of ginger, cardamom, lemons and sea salt. The palate is medium- to full-bodied, sharp and pungent, with a precise, saline character. Rich, focused and delicious.”
94 Points – Tim Atkin MW
“Ale Vigil is partial to a touch of flor in his top whites, as long as it occurs naturally in the winery. This left-field Gualtallary Chardonnay is savoury, spicy and slightly salty, with a brine-like top note, lovely texture, subtle 35% new wood, hints of aniseed and wild thyme and a core of beeswax and citrus zest.”
94 Points – Vinous
“The 2023 Chardonnay El Enemigo comes from Gualtallary, Uco Valley. Aged in 500-liter French oak barrels, it opens with green apple, chamomile, white peach, herbs and a subtle vermouth note. Dry, compact and saline, the oak broadens the palate where richness is otherwise restrained.”
These scores confirm its reputation as one of the most compelling white wines coming from Argentina today.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Bright golden-lemon with vibrant clarity.
Nose: Expressive aromas of ripe lemon, green apple, and white peach, layered with hints of toasted oak, honey, and delicate saline minerality.
Palate: The palate is rich yet vibrant, showing flavours of citrus zest, orchard fruits, toasted hazelnut, and subtle yeast complexity from ageing under flor. A lively acidity balances the texture, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish.
This is a Chardonnay that combines New World fruit intensity with Old World precision and savoury complexity.
Wine Overview
Producer: Bodega Aleanna
Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Soil: Limestone and calcareous soils
Altitude: Up to 1,500 metres above sea level
High-altitude vineyards in Mendoza produce grapes with remarkable freshness and aromatic intensity. The cool nights and mineral-rich soils contribute to the wine’s vibrant acidity and precise structure.
Winemaking
The philosophy behind El Enemigo wines is rooted in craftsmanship and experimentation. The grapes for this Chardonnay are fermented using wild yeasts and aged in French oak barrels for around 9–12 months.
During maturation, a portion of the wine develops under a layer of flor yeast, a technique rarely seen in Chardonnay production. This process adds subtle oxidative complexity and savoury depth, giving the wine its distinctive saline and nutty character.
The result is a Chardonnay that bridges the stylistic gap between Burgundy-inspired elegance and innovative New World winemaking.
Food Pairing
El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023 is exceptionally versatile at the table.
Ideal pairings include:
• Grilled lobster or butter-poached seafood
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Creamy pasta dishes
• Goat’s cheese or aged sheep’s cheese
• Seared scallops with lemon butter
Serve chilled at 8–10°C to highlight its freshness and aromatic complexity.
The Story Behind El Enemigo
The El Enemigo project was founded by Adrianna Catena and Alejandro Vigil, combining academic insight with world-class winemaking expertise.
Inspired by the concept of confronting one’s inner challenges “the enemy within” the winery aims to push boundaries and create wines that express the unique character of Argentina’s finest vineyards.
Working with carefully selected sites in Mendoza, the team focuses on terroir-driven wines that rival the world’s best.
Why Buy El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023?
• Critically acclaimed with 98-point recognition
• Produced by one of Argentina’s most celebrated winemakers
• Unique flor ageing technique rarely seen in Chardonnay
• Exceptional balance of richness, minerality, and freshness
• Outstanding value compared with top Burgundy
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this wine represents one of the best value premium Chardonnays in the world today.
Explore More Wines
Love this wine? Explore the Gran Enemigo range, shop our collection of Argentine wines, or discover more outstanding Chardonnay wines from renowned vineyards.
El Enemigo Chardonnay comes from the prestigious Uco Valley in Mendoza, one of Argentina’s most exciting high-altitude wine regions. Browse more wines from Mendoza in our regional collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is El Enemigo Chardonnay oaked?
A. Yes. The wine is fermented and aged in French oak barrels, adding texture and subtle spice while maintaining freshness.
Q. What makes El Enemigo Chardonnay unique?
A. Its ageing under flor yeast, a technique borrowed from sherry production, gives the wine distinctive savoury and saline complexity rarely found in Chardonnay.
Q. How long can El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023 age?
A. While delicious now, it can develop further complexity over 5–8 years with proper cellaring.
