Eleven Years of Age, Reserva Quality — At an Unbeatable Price

The 2014 Viña Alarde Berberana Reserva Rioja is a textbook example of why Rioja Reserva remains one of the wine world's great value propositions. Minimum three years of ageing — at least one in oak — and now with eleven years of bottle age on top of that, this is a wine that has had the time to become something genuinely elegant: harmonious, smooth, and full of the tobacco, toast, and red fruit complexity that only properly aged Tempranillo can deliver.

My Wine Man on Berberana

Berberana is one of Rioja's most established producers, with roots in the region going back to 1877. The Viña Alarde label is their Reserva expression — a wine made to the traditional Rioja model: Tempranillo as the backbone, oak ageing for structure and complexity, and bottle age to bring everything into harmony. At a time when Rioja Reserva from serious producers can command significant prices, the Viña Alarde delivers the full Reserva experience at a fraction of the cost.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red in the glass, with aromas and flavours of red fruit, tobacco, and toast — the classic Rioja Reserva profile, derived from its oak and bottle ageing. Harmonious and smooth on the palate, with a full, satisfying weight and a pleasant, lingering finish. A wine that presents a full range of sensations from first sniff to last sip.

Style & Drinking Window

Medium to full-bodied with smooth, well-integrated tannins. Drinking beautifully now — no decanting required, though 20 minutes open will allow the aromas to fully develop. A versatile food wine: lamb, roast beef, aged Manchego, or tapas all work perfectly.

Perfect Food Pairing

A Rioja is the classic lamb pairing — try with the Herbert Adams Lamb & Rosemary Pies, available from our sister store My Meat Man.

Why This Is a Smart Buy

At HK$99, the Viña Alarde Berberana Reserva is one of the best-value bottles in the store. Eleven years of age, Reserva classification, and the classic Rioja tobacco-and-toast profile — all for under HK$100. This is the wine to stock up on.

Looking for a Different Style?

Explore more Rioja and Spanish reds from different producers:

• 2018 Gran Dominio Crianza Rioja DOCa — a peer approachable Rioja Crianza from a different producer, for those who want a slightly younger, fruitier style
• 2015 CVNE Cune Crianza Rioja DOCa — a Crianza from one of Rioja's most historic and respected bodegas, with a few extra years of bottle age
• 2014 Taron Cepas Centenarias Rioja Alta — a step up to old-vine Tempranillo from century-old vines in the Rioja Alta, for those who want more depth and complexity