rioja
2020 Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserva by La Rioja Alta
Photo from La Rioja Alta
Background
Having just moved to Arizona and all our wines in several storage lockers in Scottsdale, ventured to the local Total Wines to browse and pick up a few bottles of wine until the wine refrigerators were delivered to the house. Picked up several different and unusual wines. This wine, which I was familiar with, is from La Rioja Alta Winery.
The Winery
The winery is in the northern and eastern portion of Spain, not too far from France. The elevation of the winery is between 1500 to 1800 feet. The 100% Tempranillo grapes were from the vineyards of Rodezno and Alto del Rey in Labastida. The vineyards are located on clay-limestone soils and were planted 40 years ago.
The winery is based in Haro, La Rioja and was founded in 1890. La Rioja Alta makes several other premier wines such as their Gran Reserva being 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. Another Gran Reserva adds a small amount of Mazuelo. Another wine produced by them is Viña Ardanza which is lighter and blended with Graciano and Mazuelo. The winery currently has 425 hectares of vineyards or about 1,050 acres.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2020 Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserva by La Rioja Alta is an exceptional, 100% Tempranillo wine. The wine was on the lighter side but more than robust enough to whisk one back to Spain.
On the eyes a deep garnet coloring, bright and clean, with medium heavy viscosity. On the nose luscious red fruits of strawberry and raspberry arise to greet the imbiber. On the palate, for such a young Rioja, complexity and layers of enjoyment, with both a smokiness and hint of vanilla, typically found in older versions. Secondary flavors of cedar and cinnamon abound. The finish was mid-length with a subtle and reserve sweetness, with silky and mellow tannins.
The wine was aged two years on American oak barrels. This wine came in at 14% alcohol and from memory was around $21/bottle. A very good bargain for a Rioja of character.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This evening we had a Spanish chicken breast seasoned with garlic, brown sugar, chipotle pepper, onion and sea salt. This provided a tasty treat this evening. Accompanied by baby asparagus, small red seasoned and roasted potatoes and garlic French bread. While still eating with our folding table and chairs awaiting new dining room furniture to arrive, a most enjoyable meal.
One of the few pairings we have tried with red wine with chicken, yet it paired wonderfully.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2012 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine used 93% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano and 3% Mazuelo grapes. Unique to this winery is the use of French oak barrels for 28 months and to complete the aging process leaves it in the bottle for another 36 months before release! The wine comes in at 14.5% alcohol. Their recommendation is to drink before 2033. Decided to open it about mid-point in its maturity and it was very good.
First on the eyes a deep radiant red almost blackish coloring. On the nose ripe plums and an earthiness note. On the palate, this Rioja shines with dark fruits of figs and plums, slight tobacco and a modicum of blueberries and walnut flavors. While enjoying each sip, the structure and tannin are layered and mature. The finish is long, offering complexity and balance at the same time.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this wine for dinner with baked chicken cheese enchiladas. Ingredients included cream cheese, sour cream, fresh salsa, Cheddar cheese, yellow corn, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne, salt & pepper, sliced scallions and 8-inch flour tortillas. Accompanied by yellow corn (same used inside the tortillas). The dinner was another wonderful wintertime comfort food. The food pairing with the wine was extremely good with each morsel of food being enveloped with the Rioja wine.
Sláinte,
Michael