Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021 - "O melhor Alberdi de que há memória."

This is a landmark moment in wine, the kind that only happens when nature and human skill align perfectly. It took two decades for the «Selección Especial» designation to return to the Viña Alberdi label. Like the emblematic 2001 harvest, 2021 stood out for its extraordinary quality, leading La Rioja Alta, S.A. to revive — only for the second time — this distinction reserved for its most remarkable wines.

The wine carries on a tradition of excellence, rising above its own reputation to take a prominent place among the greats of Haro. Thanks to its remarkable ageing potential, the vintage was classified as Reserva.

The Wine Advocate
RP 94

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

The 2021 Viña Alberdi Selección Especial is only the second vintage to carry the "Selección Especial" name — the first was 2001 — signalling a very special year for this wine. It was produced with Tempranillo from Mayorita, Las Monjas, El Palo and El Bardal in the village of Rodezno, and Alto del Rey in Labastida. The grapes were lightly destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, and the wine matured in American oak barrels for two years: the first in new barrels and the second in well-used ones averaging 4.5 years old, during which it was racked from barrel to barrel four times. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.57 and 5.7 grams of acidity — very good parameters that point to freshness and balance. It is very classical and very clean, showing early complexity and only a faint touch of development and tertiary notes. It has excellent balance and freshness, with intense, focused and precise flavours. This is without doubt the best Alberdi I can remember. 650,000 bottles were produced. It was bottled in June 2024.

This Haro winery owns 588 hectares of vineyards and makes wine only from its own grapes. Its wines age in 35,000 barrels, all 225-litre American oak with an average age of four years. It produces an average of 1.5 million bottles a year, equivalent to around eight years of stock between wine in barrel and in bottle. This year sees the release of its second Viña Alberdi Selección Especial, the 2021 (the first was the 2001). The range I tasted was very impressive and clean, in a more traditional style.

Published: 12 March 2026

James Suckling rated the Viña Alberdi Selección Especial Reserva 2021 93 points, highlighting its balance between Rioja tradition and a fresher, more contemporary expression.

On the nose, the critic notes captivating aromas of sweet spice, smoky notes and a light marine touch, combined with hints of toasted nuts and nuances of Ibérico ham.

On the palate it is medium-bodied, with soft, well-integrated tannins and juicy fruit that make it very enjoyable.

It is a pure Tempranillo, true to the elegant style of La Rioja Alta, S.A., showing both energy and harmony.

Although already very appealing to drink now, Suckling suggests the wine could gain further depth and complexity with another year or two in bottle.