Bodega Aleanna, Gran Enemigo, El Cepillo 2019
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec
Vintage 2019
ABV 13.5%
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019 – Bodega Aleanna Cabernet Franc
An Iconic High-Altitude Cabernet Franc from Mendoza
The Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019 from Bodega Aleanna is one of Argentina’s most compelling expressions of Cabernet Franc, crafted by the renowned winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Produced from the exceptional El Cepillo vineyard in the Uco Valley, this wine captures the intensity, elegance, and minerality that have made the Gran Enemigo range internationally celebrated.
Grown at high altitude in Mendoza’s cool climate, the 2019 vintage delivers remarkable balance between power and freshness. Critics and collectors widely regard this wine as one of the finest examples of Argentine Cabernet Franc, with exceptional ageing potential.
The result is a structured yet refined wine that combines Bordeaux-like complexity with the unique character of the Andes.
Wine Critics’ Scores
• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 98+ Points
• James Suckling: 96 Points
• Tim Atkin MW: 97 Points
Critics consistently praise the Gran Enemigo single-vineyard wines for their precision, minerality, and ability to express Mendoza’s exceptional terroir. The 2019 vintage has been particularly celebrated for its balance and purity of fruit.
Tasting Notes
Aromatic and complex, Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019 opens with layered aromas of blackberries, cassis, violets, and crushed herbs. Subtle notes of graphite, tobacco, and spice add further depth.
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet elegant, delivering ripe black fruit, dark cherry, and mineral intensity. Firm but polished tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity keeps the wine fresh and balanced.
Expect a long, persistent finish with hints of cocoa, herbs, and limestone minerality.
Typical flavour profile includes:
• Black cherry and blackberry
• Violet and dried herbs
• Tobacco and graphite
• Subtle spice and cocoa
• Long mineral finish
The wine’s refined structure makes it ideal for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.
Vineyard & Terroir: El Cepillo, Uco Valley
The El Cepillo vineyard sits in the southern part of Mendoza’s prestigious Uco Valley, where high altitudes and cool nights allow grapes to ripen slowly while preserving acidity.
The soils are composed of colluvial deposits layered over marine limestone, which contribute to the wine’s distinctive minerality and structural depth. These conditions help create wines with remarkable complexity and freshness.
The 2019 growing season in Mendoza was particularly favourable, producing wines with excellent balance and concentration.
Winemaking
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019 is crafted using meticulous traditional techniques designed to preserve the vineyard’s character.
Key winemaking details include:
• Fermentation in French oak barrels with 30% whole bunches
• Five-day cold maceration before fermentation
• Extended maceration for enhanced structure
• 15 months ageing in 100-year-old foudres
These large, neutral oak vessels allow the wine to mature gently while maintaining the purity of fruit and terroir expression.
Food Pairing
This powerful yet elegant Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with rich dishes.
Recommended pairings:
• Grilled ribeye steak
• Roast lamb with herbs
• Slow-braised beef
• Game dishes such as venison
• Mature hard cheeses
Serve at 16–18°C and decant for around 45–60 minutes to reveal the wine’s full aromatic complexity.
Why Buy Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019?
• One of Argentina’s highest-rated Cabernet Franc wines
• Produced by legendary winemaker Alejandro Vigil
• Exceptional high-altitude terroir expression
• Limited production single-vineyard release
• Excellent cellaring potential (10–20+ years)
For collectors and enthusiasts of world-class South American wines, Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019 represents a benchmark expression of Mendoza’s finest terroirs.
Explore More Wines
Love this wine? Explore the Gran Enemigo range, shop our collection of Argentine red wines, or discover more outstanding Cabernet Franc wines from renowned vineyards.
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 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. What grape variety is Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019?
A. The wine is primarily Cabernet Franc, often complemented by a small proportion of Malbec from the same vineyard.
Q. Where is Gran Enemigo El Cepillo made?
A. It is produced in Mendoza, Argentina, specifically from the El Cepillo vineyard in the Uco Valley.
Q. Who makes Gran Enemigo wines?
A. Gran Enemigo is made by Bodega Aleanna, the project of celebrated Argentine winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena.
Q. How long can Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019 age?
A. With its structure and acidity, the wine can comfortably age for 15–20 years or more under proper cellar conditions.
Q. Should I decant Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2019?
A. Yes. Decanting for 30–60 minutes helps soften the tannins and reveal the wine’s complex aromatics.
