Discovery Series Explores Rioja, Spain
Rioja is one of Spain’s most famous wine regions and the first to carry the country’s highest wine designation, Denominación de Origen Calificada, or DOCa. Complex and rewarding, the wines of Rioja are ripe for discovery!
Exploring Rioja, Spain’s Wine Region and Culture
Rioja, in north-central Spain, has a warm climate that’s perfect for growing grapes.
Rioja is only 60 miles from the Bay of Biscay, but the Cantabrian Mountains block the ocean’s cooling influence, resulting in a warm climate. The region is centered around the Ebro River and its tributaries and is divided into three subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental.
Exploring Rioja, Spain’s Wine Region and Culture
The wines of Rioja are produced from a variety of red and white grapes.
Tempranillo is Rioja’s dominant red grape, comprising 75% of all plantings. Rioja reds are also produced using the mazuelo and graciano grape varieties. Viura dominates the white grapes, but garnacha blanca, chardonnay, verdejo and sauvignon blanc are also used.
Exploring Rioja, Spain’s Wine Region and Culture
Wines from Rioja are best served with the region’s delicious cuisine.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant in Rioja and feature in the region’s cuisine including pintxo or tapas. A local favorite is pimientos rellenos — sweet red peppers stuffed with minced meat or seafood and then battered and deep fried. Lamb, spicy chorizo and seafood are also popular dishes.
Exploring Rioja, Spain’s Wine Region and Culture
The wines of Rioja are split into four classifications.
Rioja’s classification levels are Genérico (no minimum aging), Crianza (two years minimum), Reserva (three years minimum) and Gran Reserva (five years minimum). Genérico wines are fresh and fruity while the aged wines show increasing complexity with mature fruit and savory aromas of tobacco and oak.
Shop for Rioja Wines
