Rioja

Rioja is one of Europe’s most important wine regions, thanks to many renowned estates that have helped make it into what it is today. Smaller producers are now taking Rioja by storm with their delicious, fresh wines, which often take the form of single-varietal interpretations.

With some 65,000 hectares of vineyard, Rioja is one of the biggest appellations worldwide. Running along the River Ebro, the region comprises the sub-zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja). Thanks to a climate that varies from mild maritime to warm Mediterranean, with a mix between warm days and cool nights on the one hand and sufficient annual rainfall on the other, Rioja boasts a diverse array of native red and white grape varieties. Traditionally, red Rioja is made from a blend of grape varieties. 

Tradition and innovation

Combining innovative winemaking with centuries of experience, the region’s top wine estates have done much to turn Rioja into one of the world’s most exciting appellations over the last couple of decades. And this is not the end of the story. In the recent years, smaller producers at higher altitudes have begun to make fresh, terroir-driven wines. An increasing number of these are single-varietal, single-vineyard bottlings.

Varietal diversity, but Tempranillo dominates

From refreshing white wines, to fruity rosés, to classic vino tinto – Rioja offers something for everyone. Many native grape varieties grow happily across the appellation, but Tempranillo is the most important grape by far. Classic Riojas are blends containing at least 50% Tempranillo along with smaller amounts of Graciano, Mazuelo (Carignan) and Garnacha. However, an increasing number of single-varietal Tempranillos are also being produced.

Roble, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva

Following alcoholic fermentation, a Rioja must first spend time maturing in 225-litre American or French oak barrels before spending a further amount of time ageing in bottle. The wine is then classified as ‘Crianza’, ‘Reserva’ or ‘Gran Reserva’ in ascending order of time, depending on how long the process took. This applies to both red and white DOC Riojas. ‘Roble’ (or ‘Semi-Crianza’) is the term given to more affordable wines that only spend a few months in barrel.