2020 Viña Alberdi Reserva

Wine Spectator top Value for 2024

When wine magazines come out with their end of year “Best Of” lists we are often faced with the dilemma that the vintages of the wines on the list have come and gone. This month we lucked out that one of the Wine Spectator’s Top 10 Wine Values of 2024 was available. We immediately grabbed some for you to enjoy!

La Rioja Alta is a traditionalist in Rioja. That means long aging in oak and producing wines blended from multiple sources. Founded in 1890 the wineries roots lead back to France as their first winemaker was Frenchman and the Vina Alberdi label was created in 1978 which allowed the winery to provide exceptional quality grapes and wines at more affordable prices than the rest of the wines produced.

100% Tempranillo hand harvested and sourced from their vineyards in Rodezno and Labastoda with an average of the vines being 40 years old. The intensity of this old vine fruit needs balance and the two years of oak aging provides that. Aged in 100% new oak for the first years and then transferred by candlelight to four year old barrels for a second year of aging. 

Scored 92pts by James Suckling & the Wine Spectator said:

“Hints of toast, smoke and spices lace flavors of soft cherry and plum fruit, mandarin orange peel and dried flowers and herbs in this well-knit, medium-bodied red, framed by lightly chewy tannins. With 2 years of oak aging, the wine highlights fruit character and accessibility. The wine shows added complexity and detail that stand out at this price point.” 

When we poured Vina Alberdi into our glass we were greeted with aromas of currant, leather, and a touch of tar. The wine was bold and dry with blackberry, currant mixed with spice and a touch of tobacco. This bold wine can use some time to breathe and would be great to decant. 

This wine would be great with fresh salmon grilled on a wood plank or with a juicy NY strip steak. Cheers!

On sale at all three of our locations for the month of February:

• 30 Pleasant St. Leominster, MA 01453
• 15 Railroad Sq. Leominster, MA 01453
• 519 Electric Ave. Fitchburg, MA 01420