Bodegas La Horra Corimbo 2018

Region and Vineyards

Corimbo is born in the heart of the Ribera del Duero DO, specifically in the villages of La Horra and Roa, among the most prestigious sites in the region. Ribera del Duero, perched on the elevated northern plateau of Spain, is defined by its chalky limestone soils and a stark continental climate—hot days, cold nights, and wide diurnal swings that promote aromatic development and tannin refinement.

The vines for Corimbo average 25 years of age, rooted in dry-farmed, organically tended plots. The terrain comprises terraces and gentle slopes (laderas) where Tinta del País expresses finesse over brute power. These vineyards benefit from the balancing influence of the nearby Duero River and produce fruit with excellent natural acidity, which is key to the wine’s freshness and structure.

Winemaking

Corimbo is made exclusively from 100% Tinta del País (Tempranillo). Fermentation occurs with native yeasts in a mix of large wooden and stainless steel vats, preserving the vibrancy and identity of the fruit. The aging process spans 14 months in oak barrels, with a composition of 80% French oak and 20% American oak.

Crucially, the use of oak is now intentionally restrained, placing the varietal expression and vineyard character at the forefront. The result is a balanced and aromatic wine, where wood plays a supporting rather than dominant role. This shift marks a stylistic evolution at Bodegas La Horra, reflecting a modern approach grounded in precision viticulture and minimal intervention.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with a ruby rim, showing youthful brilliance.
• Aroma: Lively and fragrant, bursting with wildflowers, red and black berries, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle sweet spice. Oak notes are barely perceptible, allowing the floral and fruit spectrum to dominate.
• Palate: Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and a juicy core. Flavors of blackberry, red plum, and fresh herbs unfold with energy and poise. The wine finishes long and clean, with a touch of salinity and a lingering note of spice and earth.

Did you know?

Bodegas La Horra is the Ribera del Duero project from Bodegas Roda, the iconic Rioja estate known for its rigorous vineyard selection and modern style. After years of research, the team identified La Horra as the ideal location for Tempranillo outside Rioja, combining old vines, calcareous soils, and a balanced climate. Corimbo, launched as their “second wine,” has since become a benchmark for elegant, terroir-driven Ribera del Duero.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Grilled Iberian pork chops – the wine’s herbal lift and smooth tannins match perfectly with smoky, succulent pork.
• Roast duck breast with cherry glaze – the wine’s fruit-forward profile and freshness complement the gamey richness of the duck.
• Chargrilled vegetables with romesco sauce – earth and spice tones in the wine resonate beautifully with grilled capsicum and nuts.
• Sheep’s milk cheeses (Zamorano, Manchego Curado) – the wine’s depth and acidity cut through the richness of aged cheeses.

History of Bodegas La Horra

Bodegas La Horra was established in 2009 as a project born from the deep viticultural expertise of Bodegas Roda, one of Rioja’s most respected modern estates. After four years of detailed research and site analysis, the Roda technical team identified La Horra, a village in Burgos province, as offering the perfect conditions for Tempranillo—locally known as Tinta del País—to thrive in a different guise than in Rioja.

To bring this vision to life, Roda partnered with the Balbás family, long-time custodians of some of La Horra’s finest vineyard parcels, many of which feature old, dry-farmed bush vines planted over 50 years ago. The winery itself is built into the hillside in harmony with the surrounding landscape, designed to operate with sustainability at its core, using gravity-flow and energy-efficient systems.

Winemaker Agustín Santolaya, also general director of Roda, leads the team with a philosophy rooted in minimal intervention, allowing the character of the vineyard and vintage to guide each wine. Since its foundation, La Horra has quickly earned recognition for producing wines of depth, elegance, and purity, that rival some of the region’s most established names.

Region and Vineyards

La Horra is located in the northern sector of Ribera del Duero, within the province of Burgos—considered one of the denomination’s most prestigious zones. Here, altitude ranges from 800 to 850 meters, promoting fresh nights and slow ripening. The vineyards rest on limestone and chalk soils, offering excellent drainage and mineral complexity.

The estate focuses exclusively on Tempranillo, cultivated through organic farming and without irrigation. The vineyard holdings are composed of two distinct tiers: vines around 25 years old for Corimbo, and over 50 years for the flagship Corimbo I. This age difference is critical to the stylistic identity of each wine.

The vineyards are situated on a patchwork of terraces, slopes (laderas), and hillsides (cuestas)—topographies that add nuance and complexity. This region benefits from a harsh continental climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and dramatic diurnal shifts, resulting in structured yet vibrant wines.

Wine Range of Bodegas La Horra

• Corimbo: Made from organically grown Tempranillo vines averaging 25 years old. A fresher, more fruit-forward Ribera del Duero with elegance and precision.
• Corimbo I: The grand vin, produced only in the finest vintages from old vines over 50 years of age. Powerful, concentrated, and cellar-worthy, yet always refined.
• (Experimental cuvées and future parcels under study may expand the range, though the estate remains focused solely on Tempranillo.)

Did you know?

Bodegas La Horra was one of the first major Ribera del Duero estates to commit to certified organic farming across all its vineyards—a rarity in a region known for intensive viticulture. This commitment is driven not by trend, but by the belief that healthy soils and balanced vines yield wines of greater authenticity and longevity.