Five Riojan and Basque families founded the “Sociedad Vinicola de La Rioja Alta” in 1890. Later in 1904, Don Alfredo Ardanza of Ardanza Winery proposed the merger of the companies. The Vina Alberdi brand was introduced in 1978.

This 100% Tempranillo is sourced from Mayorita, Rebollar and Bardal vineyards in Rioja along with other selected plots. The vineyards are situated at higher elevations between 1,600-2000 feet above sea level and planted in chalky soils. The wine was aged for two years in American Oak, the first year in new, and the second year in four-year old barriques.

This Rioja has a showy bright ruby rim indicating the wealth of deep dark cherry and red raspberry fruit hidden within the core. There is an essence of cherry liqueur, red licorice and a hint of cinnamon all wrapped nicely in sweet vanilla-scented American Oak. The middle is soft and caressing with delicate ripe tannins. I understood this wine more after it was open for another day, as the complexity in the middle fleshed out and the wine became even more appealing.