El Enemigo Semillón 2021

Widely regarded as one of Argentina’s leading wine labels, El Enemigo was founded by Catena Zapata’s chief winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena who is the daughter of famed Argentinian winemaker Nicolas Catena. The two came up with the idea for this ambitious project while walking back from the Argentinian Embassy in London where Nicolas had just been awarded the Decanter Man of the Year Award.

Over the last few years the duo have put together an impressive portfolio of boundary-pushing wines which merge Old World winemaking traditions with pure Argentinian soul. The grapes for this stunning Semillon are sourced from high altitude vineyards in Agrelo in the Mendoa sub-region of Lujan de Cuyo. A combination of intense sunlight and cool nights helps to grow ripe yet perfectly-balanced grapes with ample aromatics and freshness.

Once in the winery the fruit is gently pressed and vinified using wild yeasts before being transferred to French oak barrels for 15 months of ageing. This lengthy maturation process creates a rich, creamy texture and adds delicate hints of toasted oak, vanilla, and spice to the luscious tropical fruit notes from the Semillon grape. A great match for roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, mature cheeses, or pan-fried salmon steaks.