La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021: A Rare Rioja Moment
La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021 is not your everyday Viña Alberdi. This is only the second time in the wine’s history that La Rioja Alta has given it the coveted “Selección Especial” classification, the first being the much-loved 2001 vintage. The 2021 release comes from one of Rioja’s great modern vintages, with the kind of balance, freshness and depth that made the winery decide this bottle deserved a special place of its own.
La Rioja Alta is one of Rioja’s most respected historic houses, founded in 1890 and known for its elegant, traditional style. The estate has built its reputation on wines with freshness, polish, long ageing and remarkable consistency. Viña Alberdi is already one of the region’s best-loved Riojas, but this Selección Especial takes the familiar charm of the wine and gives it more depth, structure and ageing potential.
The 2021 vintage enjoyed very favourable conditions throughout the growing season. A particularly dry October, sunny days and cool nights allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, giving the wine an excellent balance between acidity, sugar and phenolic maturity. The result is a Rioja with outstanding varietal definition, finesse, complexity and a long life ahead of it.
Made from 100% Tempranillo, the grapes come from La Rioja Alta’s own vineyards in Rodezno and Labastida, including Mayorita, Las Monjas, El Palo, El Bardal and Alto del Rey. These vineyards sit at 500–600 metres above sea level, on clay-limestone soils, with vines planted over 40 years ago. The grapes were hand-harvested and carefully selected, then transported refrigerated to preserve their quality. After gentle destemming and crushing, they passed through optical sorting tables before natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in tank.
The wine was aged for two years in American oak barrels from La Rioja Alta’s own cooperage, spending the first year in new oak and the second in barrels averaging 4.5 years old. Four traditional rackings were carried out from barrel to barrel, helping the wine develop its smooth, polished character. It was bottled in June 2024.
In the glass, it shows a deep garnet colour with a bright ruby rim. The nose is full of ripe red fruit, with redcurrant, raspberry and cherry layered with vanilla, cinnamon, cedar, caramel, gentle balsamic notes and a touch of toast. On the palate, it is broad, fresh and beautifully balanced. The tannins are sweet, smooth and elegant, giving structure without heaviness. The finish is long and persistent, with spice, red fruit and subtle oak notes lingering nicely. It is classic Rioja, but with extra poise, depth and quiet confidence.
La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021 Food Pairing Suggestion:
This is a wonderfully versatile Rioja. It will be lovely with roast lamb, grilled pork, charcuterie, roast chicken, mushroom rice, creamy pasta dishes and soft cheeses. For a proper treat, serve it with barbecued lamb chops or roasted beef with crispy potatoes. The wine has enough freshness for food, enough fruit to please a crowd, and enough structure to handle richer dishes.
About La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021:
- Only the second Viña Alberdi vintage to receive the “Selección Especial” classification, after 2001.
- Made from 100% estate-grown Tempranillo from vineyards in Rodezno and Labastida.
- Vines are over 40 years old and planted at 500–600 metres above sea level on clay-limestone soils.
- Aged for 24 months in American oak barrels from La Rioja Alta’s own cooperage.
- Alcohol: 13.5%.
- Best served at around 16°C.
- Contains sulphites.
La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021 Awards:
- 94 points, Parker
- 92 points, Vinous
- 91 points, Wine Spectator
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