Bodega del Río Elorza

Bodega del Río Elorza was established in 2001 when the Del Río and Elorza families acquired an estate in the Alto Valle del Río Negro. The property, located in the Fernández Oro region of Patagonia, contained abandoned vines dating back to the early 20th century. In 2004, the owners began a significant renovation of the vineyard and the construction of a modern winery to produce high-end estate wines. The project was born from a shared vision between the two families to revitalize a historic viticultural site and express the regional characteristics of southern Argentina.

The estate covers approximately 20 hectares of vineyards planted at a high density of 5,500 plants per hectare. Situated at 250 meters above sea level in General Fernández Oro, the site features clay loam soils with high iron content alongside layers of sand and lime. The regional climate is characterized by cold winters and dry summers with a high diurnal temperature range, which promotes slow grape ripening and balanced natural acidity. Constant Patagonian winds and low annual rainfall allow for sustainable viticulture with limited chemical use. Winemaking is currently overseen by Lucas Quiroga, while international consultants like Alberto Antonini have previously influenced the style. The facility utilizes stainless steel tanks and unpainted concrete vats for fermentation, with aging taking place in French and American oak barrels. The team emphasizes the use of indigenous yeasts and minimal intervention to preserve the specific character of the Alto Valle.

The producer is primarily recognized for its Verum brand, which encompasses several tiers including classic varietals and the Reserva line. Signature grapes include Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, alongside Chardonnay and Merlot. These wines are characterized by their vivacity and clear fruit expression, contrasting with the more powerful styles found in Mendoza. Tim Atkin MW has identified the estate as one of the top 25 wineries to watch in the country, and its wines consistently receive scores above 90 points from international critics. Notable selections include the Verum Reserva Malbec and the single-vineyard Cabernet Franc, which are appreciated for their herbal notes and precise tannins. The winery identity is closely tied to its family ownership, symbolized by the six black swans on its labels that represent individual members of the Elorza family.