In the glass

Medium-bodiedMedium tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: red cherry, vanilla, dried herb, cedar

Palate: red fruit, sweet spice, fine tannin, savoury

A classical Reserva in the traditional Cenicero style: savoury, long-oaked and elegant, a dependable value Rioja.

What it pairs with

  • Cordero asado al sarmiento
    Vine-shoot-roasted suckling lamb is the canonical Rioja match; the wine's resolved tannins frame the sweet fat.
  • Chuleton de buey a la brasa Find chuleton de buey a la brasa on TableJourney →
    A thick aged-beef chop over embers meets the wine's savoury oak and grip.
  • Jamon iberico
    Cured Iberian ham echoes the wine's dried-cherry and leather register.

History

Vina Albina is the house's traditional Reserva line.

  1. 1942 — Vina Albina brand established

Facts

Producer
Bodegas Riojanas
Grapes
Tempranillo (90%), Mazuelo (5%), Graciano (5%)
Classification
DOCa Rioja
Oak
Around 24 months in oak
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 12 to 20 at retail
Drinking window
5 to 18 from vintage
First vintage
1942

Scores

  • Tim Atkin 89 (2016 vintage, reviewed 2021)

Tags

cellar worthy dry graciano high acid mazuelo medium body medium tannin mood elegant mood savoury occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world pairs with aged cheese pairs with charcuterie pairs with red meat price everyday still red tempranillo value pick
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