La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva 2016

Cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving.

La Rioja Alta is one of Spain’s most venerable producers with a reputation for producing exceptional traditional-style Rioja reds. The estate was founded in 1890 by five local families including the Aranas, Ardanzas and the Alberdis who wanted to seek a wider market for their quality-driven wines. The winery was headquartered right by the Haro train station, enabling La Rioja Alta to export wines to neighbouring France and beyond.

Their Vina Alberdi Reserva celebrates one of the original founding families, using 100% Tempranillo grapes sourced from 40 year old vines planted on chalky clay soils at 500-600 metres above sea level. The terroir helps to create an elegant yet youthful red which is crafted according to traditional winemaking techniques followed by two years of ageing in American oak barrels which are made by La Rioja Alta itself.

Prior to bottling the wine is manually racked four times using candlelight to allow the removal of sediment without compromising the flavour of the wine. Rich plum and cherry notes are the first to spring out of the glass followed by deeper undertones of baked earth, leather and spice from the ageing process. A fantastic partner for charcuterie and mature cheeses, although it can also be kept in the cellar for a few more years.