90 Points, Wine Spectator: There's a lush spiciness to the raspberry and red plum flavors that are framed by suave acidity and tannins in this red, which has a minerally verve to the finish, with hints of white pepper. Drink now through 2024. 2,200 cases made, 1,700 cases imported. — KM
WINE INFORMATION
Bodega Aleanna is owned and operated by husband and wife team, Adrianna Catena and Alejandro Vigil. The name Aleanna is a combination of their names, a nod to their winemaking adventure together. Adrianna is the youngest daughter of Nicolas Catena, owner and former winemaker of Bodegas Catena Zapata in Mendoza. Alejandro left school at the age of 14 to join a wine cooperative, eventually becoming a soils engineer and chief winemaker at Catena Zapata for 13 years. The wines of Bodega Aleanna are the products of bold, experimental techniques and often crafted in limited quantities.
The winery describes their namesake El Enemigo (the enemy) as such: “At the end of the journey, we remember only one battle. The one we fought against ourselves, the original enemy. The one that defined us.”
The climate in Mendoza is arid and continental, experiencing cold and dry winters and hot, humid summers. Grapes for this Cabernet Franc were grown in elevations reaching 1,480 meters above sea-level on limestone soils in Gualtallary, Mendoza, and harvested at five different times throughout the 2011 vintage. Native yeasts were used in fermentation, which lasted a total of 22 days and followed by partial malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for 16 months in French oak, 20% of which was new.
Charcuterie, Duck, Grilled preparations, Hearty stew, Mushrooms, Pizza, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tomato Sauce