El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2019

El Enemigo takes a contrarian approach by championing Cabernet Franc as their flagship varietal, using 92% in this blend with just a touch of Malbec. While most Mendoza producers rely on Malbec's power and intensity, El Enemigo pursues elegance and complexity through Cabernet Franc's natural ability to express terroir with greater finesse. This philosophy allows them to create wines with intricate layering of herbs, spices, and earthy elements rather than pure fruit-driven power.

This wine represents a more European-influenced style that prioritises structure and savoury complexity over the bold, fruit-forward character typical of Mendoza. The medium-bodied profile showcases herbs, spices, and earthiness alongside dark fruit, creating a wine that's more about finesse than power. This approach may surprise those expecting the intense, jammy style often associated with Argentine reds, offering instead a sophisticated expression that reflects Cabernet Franc's natural elegance.

The 2019 vintage has earned impressive recognition with a 4.3 rating on Vivino and El Enemigo's status as a cult producer. This vintage benefits from Mendoza's high-altitude growing conditions and the producer's meticulous attention to expressing Cabernet Franc's unique character. The wine demonstrates excellent balance between fruit concentration and the complex savoury elements that define El Enemigo's house style, making it a standout example of what Argentine Cabernet Franc can achieve.

The wine's medium-bodied structure and savoury complexity make it exceptionally food-friendly, particularly with herb-crusted lamb, grilled vegetables, or aged cheeses. The earthy and spice elements complement dishes with similar flavour profiles, while the wine's structured tannins can handle richer preparations without overwhelming delicate flavours. Unlike heavier Malbecs that might dominate subtle dishes, this Cabernet Franc's elegance allows it to enhance rather than overpower your meal.

While this 2019 vintage is drinking beautifully now, showing excellent integration of its complex flavours, Cabernet Franc's natural structure suggests it has good ageing potential. The wine's medium-bodied profile and balanced tannins mean it can develop additional complexity over the next 5-7 years, with the savoury elements becoming even more pronounced. However, given El Enemigo's focus on elegance over power, there's no need to wait - the wine's sophisticated character is already fully expressed and highly enjoyable.