July 30, 2021

LA RIOJA ALTA “Viña Alberdi” Reserva 2015

(Rioja, Spain) $21

A classic earth-and-leather style Rioja that’s mellow and easy to drink. Terrific when you’re in the mood for some “Old World” flavors.

88 points KM

Available at Vivino

What is scuppernong?

A. The plastic material that barrel bungs are made from

B. A local South African name for chenin blanc

C. A vine disease that can affect grapevines that have been exposed to extreme heat

D. A grape native to the American south

Scuppernong grapes are extremely large, round, greenish-bronze grapes that belong to the North American species Vitis rotundifolia, also known as the muscadine species. The name comes from the Scuppernong River in North Carolina, along which the grapes once grew profusely. Scuppernong grapes are, in fact, the state’s official fruit. They were first cultivated in the 17th century. Today, home winemakers in the South often use scuppernongs, although many consider the grapes better-suited to jelly than wine.

Appassimento

A method utilized in the Veneto region of Italy whereby wines are made by first spreading the grapes on mats or leaving them to hang in cool lofts in order to raisinate and concentrate them. The… Continue reading

LA RIOJA ALTA “Viña Alberdi” Reserva 2015

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