Asheville’s Best Free Wine Tasting Argentinian Gems
Bodega Aleanna El Enemigo Chardonnay
“Alejandro Vigil is a master of Chardonnay, as well as a man who likes to push boundaries, which is why this impressive white was made with a little flor, just like a Fino Sherry. Toasty, spicy and salty, this is briney and refreshing with some honeyed notes”. 100% Chardonnay 9 months in french oak 35% new. With a wild yeast fermentation. The veil is a thin layer of yeasts which protects the wine from oxidation. The wine is left covered by the veil for 10 months in old barrels. You must treat the wine with the uttermost care making sure that the veil doesn’t break – battonage is forbidden. Nature prevails acting in silence – the winemaker has no place here. “I make chardonnay with a yeast covering – flor de velo or veil of flor yeast – similar to how sherry is made in the Jura – I love the floral notes and depth of those wines”, says Alejandro Vigil.
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc
Adrianna Catena grew up drinking Old-World Bordeaux with her father. She will never forget the first time dad got a shipment of wine from France, and opened a bottle of Cheval Blanc for her. Alejandro Vigil served Angelica Zapata Cabernet Franc at his wedding. It’s as if both Alejandro and Adrianna were born with a taste for the peppery aromas, grainy tannins and freshness of this variety. The grapes are sourced from Gualtallary, limestone soils, round rocks and extreme high altitude – ideal for making a wine of elegance and ageability. The winemaking is traditional Mendoza style. Alejandro brought old 100 year old Alsatian foudres (barrels) from Italy and had them re-toasted and reassembled in Mendoza. The gentleness of this wood, brings out the true character of cool climate Cabernet Franc.
El Enemigo Bonarda
“They were about to uproot this entire Bonarda vineyard but fortunately I was able to rescue five hectares. This wonderful vineyard, planted in the parral (high pergola) tranining system, is located in Rivadavia.” – Alejandro Vigil. El Enemigo Bonarda has a profound violet color with bluish hues. The nose is rich and complex with intense ripe blackberries, raspberries and black cherries, laced with dark chocolate, liqueur and typical Cabernet Franc notes of fresh, aromatic herbs. On the palate, a sweet entry leads to a wine packed with ripe red and black fruit mingled with subtle liquorice and vanilla. Finishes long and lingering with fresh, crisp acidity and soft, velvety tannins.
Catena Appellation Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon
Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for their pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. This wine is sourced from the family’s historic vineyards in the Agrelo Appellation, a region well-regarded for Cabernet Sauvignon in Mendoza. The appellation´s deep clay soils and moderate climate produce wines that are revered for their robust tannins and smooth, lengthy finish. This wine goes through cold maceration for 3 days at 50ºF (10ºC). The juice is then fermented for 20 days with a post-fermentation maceration of 10 days. 12 months in barrel (35% new). Barrel selection varies depending on vineyard and vintage. 85% French, 15% American oak.
Our Wine Wednesdays, include one *free sample from each of our hand selected fine wine features (up to four wines). New wines are chosen each week.
*tasting free with purchase of $10 or more per guest