Bodegas La Horra Corimbo I 2015

Region and Vineyards

Corimbo I is sourced from the prestigious DO Ribera del Duero, specifically in the villages of La Horra and Roa—regions renowned for their exceptional old vineyards. The vines average 50 years of age, grown without irrigation on limestone and chalk soils, which are ideal for producing concentrated yet vibrant fruit.

The Ribera del Duero landscape is defined by terraces along the Duero River (terrazas), gentle hillsides (laderas), and higher slopes (cuestas). These elevations offer excellent drainage and thermal variation, which contributes to slow, even ripening. Combined with the region's continental climate and high altitude, these conditions yield Tempranillo (locally known as Tinta del País) of exceptional density and aromatic purity.

Winemaking

Made entirely from 100% Tinta del País, Corimbo I underwent fermentation in a combination of large wooden vats and stainless steel, enabling precise temperature control and gentle extraction. The wine was then matured for 14 months in oak barrels, with a mix of 80% French and 20% American oak, approximately half of which were new.

This regime enhances the wine's depth and aging potential while ensuring that oak remains integrated rather than dominant. This vintage, marked by warm and consistent weather, delivered ripe but balanced fruit, leading to a wine that is both concentrated and refined, with abundant yet ripe tannins and a lingering, dry finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with hints of purple; dense and vibrant.
• Aroma: Aromatically intense, with layers of dark cherry, plum, blackberry, cocoa, and dried herbs. Subtle notes of cedar, spice, and graphite add depth.
• Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with a robust tannin frame and plush fruit. The wine shows richness and complexity, but remains poised. Long, dry finish with excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

Corimbo I is the grand vin of Bodegas La Horra, the Ribera del Duero project created by the famed Rioja house Bodegas Roda. The estate is built on four years of viticultural research and deep respect for Tempranillo, identifying the best non-irrigated, old-vine plots to represent a purer, more terroir-focused style in the region. Corimbo I is only made in the most promising vintages.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Dry-aged ribeye steak with black peppercorn crust – the wine’s structure and tannins stand up to rich, marbled beef.
• Roasted leg of lamb with rosemary and garlic – herbal notes in the wine complement the aromatic crust of the lamb.
• Wild mushroom and truffle polenta – earthy flavors resonate with the wine’s depth and chalky minerality.
• Aged Spanish cheeses (Idiazabal, Manchego viejo) – intense flavors and firm texture pair seamlessly with the wine’s grip and complexity.

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.