Aldi’s Rioja can be a bit confusing due to their approach to branding. They produce many wines under the Baron Amarillo label, which is just a white-label name and not tied to any specific producer. Under this name, Aldi also sells other Riojas, including those I mentioned during the Autumn/Winter press tasting. Two excellent options I found then were the Gran Reserva by Criadores de Rioja and the Reserva by Bodegas El Somo, both of which offer great taste for their price.
This particular wine is a Reserva, distinct from the previous Gran Reserva by the same Criadores de Rioja. It is a 2018 vintage with an ABV of 13.5% and comes in a Magnum bottle, holding 1.5 litres (equivalent to two standard bottles).
The aroma reveals light hints of cherry and strawberry. The taste, however, lacks depth, offering only subtle notes of black cherry and blackcurrant. Tannins are absent to extremely light, and the wine has a thin mouthfeel. While the bottle label describes it as medium-bodied, it leans closer to light to medium. Surprisingly, it did pair well with cheese, which added the right kind of contrast to bring out some of the wine’s flavours.
In comparison to other Riojas from Aldi, this wine falls short. The Gran Reserva by Criadores de Rioja, with its black-and-white front label and priced at £9.99, has much more depth and complexity. Similarly, the Reserva by Bodegas El Somo, with its orange front label and priced at £5.99, offers far better value and taste.
The Magnum format does add an element of novelty, making it a suitable choice for larger gatherings or as a party wine. At £14.99, or £11.99 during the Christmas holiday period as it the time of writing this, it is reasonable for its novel size but not exceptional for its quality.
