Bodega Aleanna, Gran Enemigo, El Cepillo 2020
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec
Vintage 2020
ABV 13.5%
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020 – Bodega Aleanna
An Iconic Single-Vineyard Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020 is one of Argentina’s most compelling single-vineyard wines, crafted by Bodega Aleanna, the visionary project founded by historian Adrianna Catena and winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Produced in the southern reaches of the Uco Valley in Mendoza, this wine showcases the extraordinary terroir of El Cepillo, a high-altitude vineyard celebrated for producing Cabernet Franc of exceptional precision and depth.
The 2020 vintage is composed of approximately 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec, a blend inspired by classic Bordeaux traditions but unmistakably Argentine in character. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for around 15 months in large oak foudres, the wine achieves remarkable balance between intensity, freshness, and structure.
Critically acclaimed and highly sought after by collectors, Gran Enemigo El Cepillo delivers profound complexity and impressive ageing potential.
Wine Critics’ Scores
• 97 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
• 96 Points – James Suckling
• 95 Points – Vinous
• 93 Points – Wine Spectator
These outstanding ratings confirm Gran Enemigo’s reputation as one of the finest Cabernet Franc wines produced in South America.
Tasting Notes
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020 pours a deep purple colour with vibrant red highlights.
The nose is intensely aromatic and layered, offering notes of violets, cassis, black cherry and plum, intertwined with subtle herbal tones, graphite, and spice. Hints of mint chocolate, black pepper and wild herbs add further complexity.
On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured with silky tannins and lively acidity. Dark fruit flavours mingle with savoury notes of tobacco leaf, cedar, and mineral graphite. The finish is long, elegant, and persistent, revealing a refined balance between power and finesse.
This is a wine that will reward patience in the cellar but is already compelling when decanted.
The El Cepillo Vineyard
The El Cepillo vineyard lies in the southern part of the Uco Valley, an area known for its high altitude, cool climate, and mineral-rich soils. These conditions allow Cabernet Franc to ripen slowly, preserving freshness while developing aromatic complexity.
Low yields and meticulous vineyard management ensure exceptional fruit quality. The resulting wines are noted for their vibrant acidity, refined tannins and distinctive mineral character, hallmarks of the Gran Enemigo style.
Food Pairing
Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020 is a versatile fine wine that pairs beautifully with rich, savoury dishes.
Recommended pairings include:
• Grilled ribeye steak or Argentine asado
• Roast lamb with rosemary
• Slow-braised beef short ribs
• Mature cheeses such as Comté or Manchego
The wine’s structure and acidity also make it an excellent match for game dishes and hearty winter cuisine.
Serving & Cellaring
• Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
• Decanting: Recommended for 1–2 hours when young
• Drinking Window: 2025–2040+
Thanks to its concentration and structure, Gran Enemigo El Cepillo can age gracefully for decades, developing further complexity and tertiary notes over time.
Key Wine Details
Producer: Bodega Aleanna
Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Vineyard: El Cepillo (Single Vineyard)
Grape Variety: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Malbec
Ageing: Approximately 15 months in oak foudres
Alcohol: ~13.5%
Style: Full-bodied, structured red wine
Why Buy Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020?
Gran Enemigo wines have become cult favourites among collectors and sommeliers worldwide. Produced in small quantities and consistently receiving high critic scores, they represent some of the most exciting wines emerging from Argentina today.
El Cepillo stands out within the range for its distinctive character: elegant, mineral, and beautifully balanced. For lovers of Cabernet Franc and premium South American wines, this bottle is a must-have addition to any serious cellar.
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. Is Gran Enemigo El Cepillo 2020 100% Cabernet Franc?
A. Not quite. The wine is typically a blend of around 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Malbec, combining aromatic elegance with depth and richness.
Q. How long can Gran Enemigo El Cepillo age?
A. With its concentration and structure, the wine can age for 15–20 years or more, gradually developing complex tertiary flavours.
Q. What makes El Cepillo different from other Gran Enemigo wines?
A. El Cepillo comes from a specific vineyard in the southern Uco Valley. Its cooler climate and unique soils give the wine a distinctive mineral profile and fresh acidity.
Q. Should I decant this wine?
A. Yes. Decanting for 1–2 hours helps open up the aromatics and soften the tannins when the wine is young.
