Eral Bravo > Mendoza

Eral Bravo winery is considered one of the most promising new wineries in Argentina today. Eral Bravo is a new project from Matias Sanchez Nieto, formerly the owner of one of the oldest & largest wineries in Argentina, Nieto Senetiner. After selling his large winery, he started Eral Bravo, a winery dedicated to making small quantities of truly great wine. Though the winery is young the wines are already getting a lot of attention. The family’s vineyards (a total of 155 hectares) are located in the most select regions of Mendoza: Alto Agrelo ("El Recodo Estate") and Alto Ugarteche ("Montalba Estate", a new property) in Lujan de Cuyo and Alto Eugenio Bustos ("Los Indios Estate") in the Uco Valley. The name Eral Bravo is inspired by the family tradition of breeding the Iberic bull, the "toro bravo", in the Salamanca region in Spain. In this region, "Eral" is the name given to the bull between 2 and 3 years of age. At this age, the Iberic bull starts showing his essential characteristic: the bravery or "bravura".

Urano, the god of the skies in Greek mythology, makes reference to the clean and magnificent skies of Mendoza, which, framed by the Andes, create special conditions for vine cultivation. Urano wines are a modern concept, combining careful work in the vineyards and winery. Each step seeks to boost the aim of this range in which the fruit always plays the lead, in combination with intense colors, vivid nuances, elegant aromas and a good structure enhanced by the subtle use of American and French oak barrels.

The Eral Bravo level of wines come from select estate vineyards. The vineyards are worked to achieve complex and expressive wines. This is achieved through leaf-thinning and strict pruning as well as cluster removal to reduce yields. The result is elegant, complex wines with a delicate balance between the ripe fruit and the nuances developed from aging in French oak barrels.
Winemaking practices: the wines are vegan, no animal derivatives are ever used.

THE VINEYARDS

El Recodo Estate - Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo.
50 hectares of vineyards located in the high zone of Agrelo, at 1020 meters (3346 feet). The Agrelo oasis, irrigated by the waters of the Mendoza river, is found at the foothills of the Andes mountain range. The alluvial type soil originated from the decomposition and desintegration of rocks and minerals from the Andes. It is characterized by layers of sand/clay resting on gravel and rolling stones. Good drainage.
The climatic condition of the area, a careful management of irrigation resources and a constant controlled production make possible the obtention of excellent ripeness of the grapes, great concentration of aromas and color, and a proper ripeness of tannins. Low annual rainfall, coupled with low humidity, provide a healthy phytosanitary environment. With an average rainfall of 187 mm per year, irrigation is a necessity.

Los Indios Estate - Alto Eugenio Bustos, Uco Valley.
25 hectares property, about 1010 meters high (3313 feet). This area shows lower temperatures than in the High Area of the Mendoza river with soft and cool Southern breeze. It has a wide temperature range, lots of sunny days and an average rainfall of less than 200 mm per year. Its special microclimate allows good polyphenolic maturation and produces wines of excellent concentration and complex aromas.
Sandy loam soil with some rocks.

Montalba Estate - Alto Ugarteche, Lujan de Cuyo.
This wine growing area has been developed recently by Eral bravo. In this new estate of 80 hectares, Malbec has been planted. Other varities will follow, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Eral Bravo Website

Urano Malbec

100% Malbec from Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo - the vineyards are 3340 feet high.
25% of the wine is aged for 12 months in 2 years old barrels, mostly French (70%) with the remaining American. The rest stays in stainless steel.
On the nose, intense red fruit aromas, hint of spices and a subtle French oak touch that gives some idea of coffee and tobacco, though the fruit definitely remains as the main protagonist. Good structure and ripe tannins, with a pleasant and long finish. 14% Alcohol.

Urano Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo - the vineyards are 3340 feet high.
25% of the wine is aged for 12 months in 2 years old barrels, mostly French (70%) with the remaining American. The rest stays in stainless steel.
Intense ruby red color. On the nose, interesting cassis and blackberry fruit aromas, with a hint of vanilla. Sweet and structured tannins on the palate give personality to the wine. Balanced acidity and lengthy finish. 14.55 Alcohol.

Urano Syrah

100% Syrah from Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo - the vineyards are 3340 feet high.
25% of the wine is aged for 12 months in 2 years old barrels, mostly French (70%) with the remaining American. The rest stays in stainless steel.
The Syrah is a star of the Urano lineup with rich black and red fruit aromas, spicy notes and a touch of roasted coffee and vanilla. The mouthfeel is full and sweet, thanks to ripe and velvety tannins. A long, cherry-filled finish with a light earth touch. 14.7% Alcohol.

Erales Malbec

100% Malbec from Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo - the vineyards are 3340 feet high.
Aged 12 months in medium-toast French oak barrels, mainly second use.
Deep red purple color. On the nose, rich plum, blackberry and raspberry, with spicy notes, nicely infused with hints of chocolate, smoke and tobacco. On the palate, good concentration, ripe tannins, with flavors lasting through the very long finish. 14.5% Alcohol.

Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo - the vineyards are 3340 feet high.
Aged 12 months in medium-toast French oak barrels, mainly second use.
Dark ruby/purple color. On the nose, intense, rich, black currant fruit nicely infused with toasty oak, spice and a hint of chocolate. This is a concentrated and viscous wine with a ripe mid palate and a very long finish. 14.5% Alcohol.

YBS

YBS means year's barrel selection. This limited, numbered batch represents the year's best blend. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from Alto Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo - the vineyards are 3340 feet high.
Aged for 15 months in new French oak. 14.5% Alcohol.