Today we’re checking out the latest vintage of the Specially Selected Rioja Reserva from Aldi.
When we reviewed a previous vintage of this wine we noted that it was very young and needed some time in the cellar (i.e. patience was required). Let’s see if that is still true!
Primarily Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain. The wine is aged for 3 years, including 12 months in oak barrels, plus some time in the bottle before its release.
It’s a good time to be a wine lover if you enjoy wines from Rioja. There’s no shortage of excellent, inexpensive examples on the market including the Trader Joe’s Rioja Gran Reserva priced at $12.99 as well as the always dependable Kirkland Signature Rioja Reserva at just $7.99.
The Specially Selected Rioja Reserva from Aldi slots right in the middle of those prices at $8.59. We last reviewed the 2018 vintage of this wine, which according to the back label was bottled by Bodegas El Somo, who we could not find much information on, but may be part of Bodegas Muriel.
The 2020 we are reviewing today was bottled by Criadores de Rioja, a large producer focused mainly on exports to large international grocery outlets. It was started by the Vivanco family. The wine is imported by Mack & Schuhle Inc.
From the bottle:
This wine has been made with hand-picked Tempranillo grapes from our best vineyards in Rioja. A well-balanced wine with red fruit flavors, hints of blackcurrant and cherry and aromas of vanilla and oak. Aged for 3 years including 12 months in oak barrels.
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Style: Intense & Fruity
Flavors: Red Fruits, Blackcurrant & Cherry
Pair With: Roast Lamb & Casseroles13.5% Alcohol
The 2020 Specially Selected Rioja Reserva opens with a pleasing aroma of dark fruit, spice and even a touch of balsamic to go along with a touch of cedar. It’s nowhere near as oaky as the 2018 we previously reviewed and it makes for an inviting start.
The wine tastes balanced, smooth and just a bit chewy. It features similar flavors to the nose with good depth and juicy fruit. This one is much more ready to drink now than the 2018 and also shows a bit more complexity and classic Rioja character than the 2018.
It ends dry, long and a bit grippy with a touch of lasting spice and was just as good on day 2. A definite step-up with this vintage and no patience required!
Check out our Guide to Aldi Wine! Includes information about the business model, how it compares to Trader Joe’s and of course all of our recommended wine at Aldi USA!
You can also find more info on Rioja including our favorite wines here!
Review Summary
Specially Selected Rioja Reserva From Aldi - Patience No Longer Required • Reverse Wine Snob
Today we're checking out the latest vintage of the Specially Selected Rioja Reserva from Aldi.
8.3
Pros
- 89-90 points, Bulk Buy rated
- Excellent example of Rioja that is ready to drink now
- Great price
Cons
- Only available at Aldi
