LA HORMIGA
RIBERA DEL DUERO 2021
SORIA
EXCLUSIVE SPANISH SINGLE-VINEYARD
"The pinnacle of distinction from Soria: a superb single-vineyard red that balances majestic power with the velvety finesse of pre-phylloxera vines."
The Ultimate Expression of a Unique Terroir
The La Hormiga de Antídoto 2021 Red Wine represents the most noble, profound, and exclusive side of the Ribera del Duero region in Soria. This single-vineyard wine was created under the masterful direction of French winemaker Bertrand Sourdais, who discovered an exceptional old vineyard in the La Hormiga area (San Esteban de Gormaz), planted in 1922 on clay soils with a limestone subsoil. The 2021 vintage was characterized by tremendous fruit clarity and impeccable tannic maturity, allowing this wine to display its full opulence without losing the identity and freshness of Soria's high altitude. With meticulous aging in French oak barrels, La Hormiga moves away from over-extraction, establishing itself as a complex red wine with a silky texture and monumental finesse, destined for true connoisseurs. Purchase it with a guarantee of authenticity and express shipping at LaCava.shop.
1. Technical Details
Winery / Producer: Bodegas Antídoto.
Specific Origin: La Hormiga plot, San Esteban de Gormaz, Soria, D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain.
Grape Variety: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) from centenarian vines.
Vintage: 2021.
Aging: 12 to 14 months in selected French oak barrels.
Style: Single-vineyard (Pago) red, complex, profound, structured, and long-keeping.
Capacity: 750 ml bottle.
SKU: ESP-HORMIG-RD-2021-750
2. Exclusive Tasting Notes
Appearance: An intense and superb deep cherry red, with high viscosity, and dense, bright garnet rims that reveal an imposing structure and great concentration.
Nose: Complex, aristocratic, and enveloping. It unfurls a symphony of ripe black fruits harmoniously intertwined with notes of fine cocoa, blond tobacco, sweet spices, and a sophisticated, smoky, chalky mineral background.
Palate: A majestic, opulent, and superbly voluminous entry. On the palate, it is fleshy yet incredibly silky, thanks to polished, fine-grained tannins. It possesses a perfectly integrated acidity that balances its power, culminating in an eternal, elegant, dry, and deeply complex finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Recommended Occasions and Pairing
Haute Cuisine Pairing: The imposing structure and refinement of La Hormiga 2021 demand dishes of great culinary character. It is the perfect companion for premium, long-aged grilled cuts, Castilian-style roasted suckling lamb, oxtail stew, duck magret with black fruit reductions, and big game meats.
Suggested Moments:
- Special Celebration: Its status as a single-vineyard wine and its immense complexity make it the ideal label for commemorating life's great milestones.
- High-Level Business: A prestigious wine, highly valued by critics, that projects exclusivity and great wine culture.
- Ultimate Luxury Gift: Being a limited production from an emblematic vineyard, it stands out as the definitive gift for collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What differentiates La Hormiga from the traditional Antídoto wine?
While Antídoto is a blend of multiple old vineyards in the province of Soria focused on fluidity and fruit freshness, La Hormiga is a single-vineyard ("Pago") wine with much more opulence, concentration, and superior structure intended for aging.
What is the specific origin and who makes this red wine?
It is crafted by Bodegas Antídoto, founded by renowned winemaker Bertrand Sourdais and David Hernando. The grapes come from an exceptional pre-phylloxera Tinto Fino vineyard located in San Esteban de Gormaz, Soria, on the eastern edge of the D.O. Ribera del Duero, Spain.
At what temperature should La Hormiga 2021 be served?
To enjoy its full complexity without the alcohol taking center stage, it is recommended to serve it between 16°C and 17°C (60°F - 63°F).
Is it necessary to decant this wine before consuming?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Due to its enormous concentration and youth, decanting La Hormiga 2021 for 45 to 60 minutes before serving helps the wine "wake up."
What is the aging potential of this 2021 vintage?
Exceptional. Thanks to the acidity balance of Soria and its concentrated tannins, La Hormiga 2021 will evolve extraordinarily in the bottle over the next 10 to 15 years if stored under optimal conditions.