Rioja Wine

The world-famous Rioja wine region lies within the autonomous community of La Rioja (Comunidad Autónoma de La Rioja) in the north of Spain. The region derives its name from the Río (river) Oja, a tributary of the Ebro, which flows through it.

Rioja was the first region in Spain to be awarded the highest DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) category, due to its proven record in consistently producing top-quality wines. Its DOCa wines are made from grapes grown not only in Rioja but also in parts of Navarra and Alava.

It is Rioja's friendly grape-growing conditions, with a varied range of soil and topographical features, which set it apart from other regions of Spain. In general, the Cantabrian Mountains in the north and west not only provide perfect shelter from the wet and cold influences of the Atlantic Ocean, but also protect Rioja's vineyards from the severe winds which are typical in this region. However, temperatures vary across the region. Additionally, there are considerable variations in the mix of the local soils, ranging from chalk to iron, limestone and clay.

The diversity of the terroir is reflected in Rioja's wines, which range from easy-drinking, young red wines to more rustic, fuller styles which are capable of being cellared for many years. Rioja's claim to fame is Spain's classic grape variety, Tempranillo, which thrives on the clay- and limestone-based soils of the best vineyard sites. Nevertheless, most of the wines are typically blends, with Garnacha employed to add body. Garnacha is also used in Rioja's rosés (Rosado) as well as a single varietal. Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano are other red varieties which find their way into Riojas, although in smaller quantities. Cabernet Sauvignon also finds favor as a blending partner with some notable producers.

Most top red Rioja wines are matured in new American-oak barrels, although many wineries have successfully experimented with a combination of American and French oak. The wines are categorized according to the amount of time they have been aged, as in Joven (young), Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva.

Rioja also produces quality white wines based on Viura (called Macabeo elsewhere in Spain) and Malvasía. The barrel-fermented examples are much sought after.