Mendoza
, Argentina
Winery Overview
El Enemigo translates as “the enemy.” Nodding to the fact that at the end of a journey, most remember only one
battle — the one fought within (the original enemy). This is the battle that defines us and the wines of El Enemigo
are a tribute to those internal battles that make us who we are. Brought to fruition by winemaker, Alejandro Vigil,
and historian, Adrianna Catena, daughter of Nicolás Catena, who share a love of wine and have gone back in time to
capture the era when European immigrants first settled in Argentina. These settlers sought to make wines as fine, or
finer, than those of their old homeland. By 1936, Malbec and Petit Verdot were the most widely planted fine varietals
in Argentina, their blend considered the ultimate in refinement and aging potential.
Location of Vineyard
The grapes for El Enemigo are sourced from vineyards in the acclaimed Uco Valley, about a one hour drive south of
Mendoza City. The Uco Valley offers ideal viticultural conditions with loose, textured soil, which allows vine roots to
penetrate deep into the ground. The cool air from the Andes helps alleviate the daytime heat in this high altitude
terroir
. These conditions ensure ideal hang times and ripening, and result in a wine that is complex and highly aromatic.
Winemaking Philosophy
Alejandro is the Chief Winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata and the former head of the soil division at
Argentina’s Wine Institute. The boutique nature of El Enemigo allows for enhanced experimentation, such as
blending Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc into Malbec. El Enemigo is produced at Piedemonte al Sur in the
southern foothills of Luján de Cuyo. The facility is named for the unique aspect of Menzoda’s high altitude
winemaking region, nestled in the foothills of the Andes Mountains.
Mendoza
, Argentina
Winery Overview
Altitude is everything. Altitude is essential to providing the vineyards with intense sunlight and cool temperatures. This
perfect paradox allows winemakers to craft a Malbec with a deep violet hue, smooth velvety texture and vibrant fruit
aromas. Winemaker, Fernando Buscema, is a fourth generation winemaker whose early childhood memories are set in his
grandfather’s vineyards. Fernando earned his bachelor’s degree in enology and food science from the Universidad Maza
in Mendoza, where he graduated top of his class. His winemaking experience was gained through his work at reputable
wineries all over the world including Vicenza, Italy; Napa Valley, California; and Mendoza, Argentina. At Vista del Sur,
Fernando is devoted exclusively to Malbec where he remains at the forefront of oenological research and development.
Location of Vineyard
High Note is produced at Vista del Sur; a state-of-the-art winery located high in the Andes foothills of Argentina’s
famed Uco Valley, Mendoza. Ranging in altitude from 3,300 to 5,000 feet, Vista del Sur’s vineyards are among the
highest in the world and enjoy the perfect combination of elements for growing the finest Malbec. Intense desert
sunlight, very cool nightly temperatures, low humidity and dry, sandy soil with excellent drainage provide the fruit
with extended hang times that result in a slow, balanced ripening cycle with good acidity and concentrated flavors
without excessive sugar.
Winemaking Philosophy
Vista del Sur employs specially designed small tronco-conic tanks exclusively for the production of Malbec. They
were among the first wineries to employ these tanks and the only winery to produce all of its Malbec exclusively
with these tanks. While other wineries around the world are planned to create multiple varietals using the same
equipment, Vista del Sur was designed from vine to bottle to enhance the quality of the Malbec it produces.
