2024 El Enemigo - Chardonnay Mendoza (750ml)

El Enemigo was founded in 2009 as a passion project between Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, a historian and the youngest daughter of Nicolás Catena. The idea took shape during a walk along the Thames in London, where the two discussed a shared vision of wines that honor tradition while challenging convention, an ethos reflected in the project's name, Spanish for "the enemy." The Chardonnay has become one of the standout wines in a lineup known for pushing boundaries.

The grapes come from Gualtallary in Mendoza's Uco Valley, a high-altitude sub-region where cool nights and abundant sunshine allow for even ripening while preserving natural acidity. Fermentation relies on wild yeast, and the wine spends twelve months aging in 500-liter French oak barrels, developing a partial, naturally occurring veil of flor, a technique inspired by Fino Sherry that adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

The 2024 vintage offers aromas of hazelnut, acacia blossom, and fresh pear, layered with herbal notes and a whisper of caramel from the oak. The palate is dry and tightly wound, finishing with a distinctive cashew-like note. It pairs nicely with roast chicken, fresh seafood, or creamy cheeses like brie.