Rioja
Rioja is nestled in northern Spain, stands as the country's region with the highest reputation. The region includes the administrative district of La Rioja and extends into the Basque Country and Navarre. The wine region is divided into three sub-regions, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. Some of the best wines of the world are wines from Rioja.
The best wines from Rioja
Rioja is nestled in northern Spain, stands as the country's region with the highest reputation. The region includes the administrative district of La Rioja and extends into the Basque Country and Navarre. The wine region is divided into three sub-regions, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. Some of the best wines of the world are Spanish wines from Rioja.
Its borders are shaped by the Ebro River and sheltered by the protective mountainous terrain of Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Cantabria. The Rio Oja, a tributary of the Ebro, lends its name to this surrounding area. Rioja benefits from a favorable climate, while its shelter from strong Atlantic winds provides a favorable environment for wine making and ensures long periods of warmth, especially in summer. The two rivers provide a humid, temperate, continental climate, with little but sufficient precipitation, evenly distributed throughout the year. The perfect conditions for growing grapes. The region avoids large temperature swings and frost risks, common in other parts of Spain.
The hilly riverbank locations with iron, clay and chalk soils combined with a temperate continental climate contribute to Rioja's unique terroir. Its vineyards are characterized by a diverse range of grape varieties, including the famous Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, Viura, Malvasía and an assortment of white grape varieties.
Grapes in wines from Rioja
Other regions
The history of Rioja winemaking
The history of wine production in Spain goes back to well before the occupation of Spain by the Romans. During the Moorish occupation and the Middle Ages, Spain was an important wine-producing country and came to a peak in the 16th century as a European viticultural centre.
In the early 18th century, the introduction of aging techniques from Bordeaux in oak barrels brought a new dimension to Rioja: red wines were made in the fresh and fruity style we know today.
Rioja wines are a unique blend of history, geographical diversity and different winemaking techniques. This makes these high-quality wines very popular with wine lovers around the world.
Some of the best wineries in Rioja
The answer to this is often subjective, but the following producers are definitely among the best in Rioja:
Grapes and winemaking in Rioja
Rioja wines come in a variety of styles, such, as red, white, rosé and sparkling. However red wines are the commonly produced, from the Tempranillo grape. Another noteworthy grape is the Garnacha variety. When it comes to white wines the Viura grape is quite favored.
The unique flavor profile of Rioja wines is derived from the oak barrel aging method, which brings out hints of berries, coconut, vanilla and sweet spices. The region mainly focuses on cultivating Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes for their wines. Red wines play a role in Riojas winemaking tradition. In addition to these two grapes Graciano and Mazuelo also contribute to the range of wine options. As for wines Viura (or Macabeo) Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca and Tempranillo Blanco are choices. Together these grapes play a role in producing an array of high quality wines in the region.
Wines labeled as "Rioja" often consist of blends from areas within La Rioja including Rioja Oriental, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Wines from Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa are known for their quality wines. Rioja Oriental offers lesser quality Tempranillo wines in comparison to Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa and offers more bulk winestyles.
Wine producers
What are the best vintages for Rioja wines?
The vintages that are considered the best in Rioja are:1934, 1964, 1982, 1994, 2001, 2004,2005, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2020
Classification of Rioja wines
Rioja holds the esteemed Denominación de Origen Calificada (D.O.Ca.), the highest category within Spain's wine regulations. Classifications can also be based for wine production that need a long maturation. The several classifications for these wines are:
- Joven - no or only minimal (oak) maturation.
- Crianza - maturations for at least two years, of which at least one year in oak barrels
- Reserva - maturations for at least three years, of which at least one year in oak barrels
- Gran reserva - maturations for at least five years of which at least two years in oak bareels
- Gran reserva wines are particularly layered and complex wines whose profile and build resemble the old tino fino vines from which they originate: knotty, powerful, earthy with intensely dark notes of chocolate, tobacco and leather.
Vino Joven and Crianza
When it comes to wines some Generic Rioja varieties show great potential reflecting the quality of both the grapes and winemaking methods. These wines are typically fresh and lively with oak influence. On the hand Crianza wines offer more depth and complexity. The aging process adds subtle oak notes along with hints of fruits and spices. These wines are generally easy to enjoy. Can be appreciated at a younger age.
Reserva and Gran Reserva
Reserva wines strike a balance between fruity flavors and structural components. They often feature aromas that highlight the impact of oak aging. Additionally this category may include a wine type known as Espumosos de Calidad de Rioja, which refers to high quality sparkling wines produced in the region. Gran Reserva wines are aged to showcase the aspects of Rioja winemaking. They boast integrated flavors, gentle tannins and distinct mature characteristics. These wines are often seen as intricate and suitable for long term cellaring. The top quality Rioja wines undergo aging periods.
Gran Añada
Gran Añada represents a reintroduced category that refers to Champagne style sparkling wines. These wines undergo 36 months of lees aging indicating a period of contact with yeast cells, after fermentation enhancing their complexity and richness.