I knew right when I smelled this wine that it was going to be something special. The bouquet was cerebral and captivating -- complex spice, baked earth, warm cherry and plum, very giving, very classic Rioja Tempranillo aromas. I gave it a sip, and I was just as pleased with the juicy and complex palate.
While Berta Valganon might be new on the Rioja scene, she makes wines that give the impression that she's been at it for ages. Brand new to the United States, her Seleccion Especial is a mesmerizing bottle of Rioja from her old, organically-farmed vines high up in the Alta zone.
She made a whopping 5,200 bottles (about 430 cases) for the vintage, and we were lucky to snag 60 of the 120 bottles that made their way to WNC.
2021 Berta Valganon Rioja Seleccion Natural
Why should you buy it?
- Berta puts her best "stuff" into this bottle. We're talking very old vines (some over 100 years old) that have never been touched by chemicals. In addition, the vines are located in rocky, limestone-rich soils at nearly 2,000 feet in elevation.
- It will appeal to lovers of old school Rioja (La Rioja Alta, Lopez Heredia) and modern Rioja (Artadi, Remelluri), as it toes the line between the two styles. It will just cost a lot less than those aforementioned producers.....
- There's a wonderful balance of spice, earth, herb, and fruit. Complex, layered, and juicy, I get wonderful notes of warm plum, dark cherry, black pepper, clove, earthy underbrush, and mineral. Not too heavy but certainly not light, its silky and velvety on the palate.
- Much like Berta, her wine possesses a rustic authenticity that I find downright charming. Click HERE for a great video of Berta in her vineyards.
If you enjoy natural wines that don't taste "natty," you will love this just as much as I do. I can't wait to pull the cork on this with seared duck breast in a cherry sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it : )
On Sale Through March 1, 2025
Deal Price: $24.99/bottle and over 20% off -- no further discounts.
Regular Price: $31.99/bottle
