Palomero, a profound expression of old-vine Tempranillo from La Horra
At Licorea, we work with wines that have a clear story behind them. Palomero is one of those reds that speaks first of the vineyard rather than the cellar. It comes from La Horra, Burgos, one of the most highly regarded areas of Ribera del Duero, known for the quality of its soils and the longevity of its vines. This wine is produced by Bodega Uvaguilera from a very precise selection of Tempranillo grapes sourced from old vines over 70 years of age, bush-trained and planted in the La Nava estate.
The result is a wine with a strong sense of identity, designed for those who seek structure, depth and well-integrated ageing. Palomero does not aim for lightness or immediacy. It is a serious wine, crafted with time and respect for the raw material.
Origin and vineyard: old vines in the La Nava estate
The foundation of Palomero lies in its origin. The grapes come from 100% Tempranillo old vines with more than seven decades of life. These vines are bush-trained, a traditional system that limits yields and encourages balanced ripening. The vineyard is located in the La Nava estate, within the municipality of La Horra, an area renowned for producing wines of great concentration and character.
The age of the vines is crucial. Such old vineyards yield fewer bunches, but of far higher quality. The grapes have thicker skins, greater concentration and a natural balance between acidity, alcohol and structure. This allows for the production of a wine with ageing potential and a very clearly defined personality.
Careful winemaking, without haste
The winemaking of Palomero follows a classic approach, where time is an ally. After harvest, the wine undergoes a long maceration of 28 days, which is extended for a few additional days once alcoholic fermentation has finished. This process enables a deep extraction of colour, tannins and aromatic compounds, always under careful control.
Alcoholic fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures, preserving the fruit while maintaining structure. Once completed, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation directly in French oak barrels. This stage brings greater smoothness on the palate, added complexity and a finer integration between wine and wood from the very beginning.
Ageing: 30 months in new French oak barrels
One of the defining features of Palomero is its extended ageing. The wine spends 30 months in new French oak barrels, an uncommon period that demands exceptionally high-quality fruit to withstand such time without losing freshness or balance.
The barrels come from leading cooperages such as Radoux Blend and Seguin Moreau. These woods contribute complex notes of spice and fine toast, without masking the expression of the Tempranillo. The ageing is designed to support the wine, not to dominate it.
Throughout this long resting period, the wine gains structure, its tannins become more polished, and it develops a depth that is evident both on the nose and on the palate. It is a patient ageing process, aimed at shaping an elegant and persistent red wine.
An elegant and balanced sensory profile
This profile makes it a wine for those who appreciate long-aged reds, with character and the ability to evolve gracefully in bottle.
A wine with its own identity within our selection
At Licorea, we select wines that bring something distinctive to their category. This Palomero is one of the few examples in our range that combines such old vineyards, traditional winemaking and such prolonged ageing in new oak. We believe it offers lovers of great Ribera del Duero reds a deeper, more reflective experience, far removed from more immediate styles.
It is a wine for unhurried moments, for tables where the wine accompanies long, relaxed conversation. It pairs beautifully with meat dishes, traditional stews or richly flavoured recipes, where its structure and persistence find the right context.
Palomero reflects the patient work of Bodega Uvaguilera and the potential of Tempranillo when it comes from well-tended old vines. A red wine with character, balance and a clear vocation for ageing.
