Rioja Wine

Situated in Northern Spain, Rioja is celebrated for its signature red wines, which account for 90% of its production. Although it’s one of the smaller viticultural regions in Spain, its distinctively fruity and opulent wines have become emblematic of Spanish viniculture.

Nestled beneath the towering Cantabrian Mountains to the north and the Sierra de la Demanda Mountains in the south, Rioja partially covers the Ebro Valley, with the Ebro and Oja Rivers running through it. The climate is primarily continental—varying temperatures throughout the seasons, between 12-24 inches of rain per year and a strong, dry and cold breeze called el cierzo that blows through the region in the winter.

Winemaking in the region dates back to the Phoenicians, although the earliest written evidence of viticulture is from 873 A.D. Commercial production and exportation of Rioja wine began in earnest in the 13th century, and Rioja has since become Spain’s premier red wine region.

• Rioja Alta: Situated on the western edge of the Rioja region, Rioja Alta’s vineyards are located at higher altitudes, typically ranging from 500 to 800 meters above sea level. The cooler temperatures of this elevated terrain provide optimal conditions for the slow, even ripening of grapes. Rioja Alta is renowned for its Old-World style Tempranillo-based wines, which tend to be more structured with more tannins than wines from the other sub-regions. 
• Rioja Alavesa: The smallest of the three sub-regions of the Rioja wine region, Rioja Alavesa has a reputation for producing some of the most highly respected wines in the region. Located in the northernmost part of Rioja, close to the Cantabrian Mountains, it is characterized by its high-altitude vineyards, often over 500 meters above sea level. The cooler climate and chalky-clay soil produce high-quality grapes, particularly the region’s signature Tempranillo. 
• Rioja Oriental: Previously known as Rioja Baja. Located in the eastern part of the region, Rioja Oriental has a more Mediterranean climate, which is warmer and drier than other areas in Rioja. The Garnacha grape is widely planted in the alluvial soil, and the region is known for producing richly colored, high-alcohol, low-acidity wines perfect for blending.

Tempranillo is the grape most widely associated with Rioja. A black-skinned grape, it produces deep, full-bodied red wines with flavors of plum and strawberry. It’s often blended with other red grape varieties, particularly Grenache, Graciano and Mazuelo. 

Wines labeled as Rioja typically contain more Tempranillo than any other variety. As such Rioja red wines have a medium-full body, plenty of tannins and a high alcohol level—between 13.5-15%. The typical flavors include cherry, plum, leather and vanilla, and they can taste slightly savory.

Although Rioja is most famous for red wine, it also produces several high-quality white and rosé wines.

Rioja wines are classified into Joven, Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva. This classification refers to the total aging period, including the time Rioja wines spend in both oak barrels and in bottle before release. These are minimum requirements, and many winemakers choose to age their wines for longer periods.

• Joven: Translated into English as “young,” this classification indicates that the Rioja red wine should be drunk in its prime, since it’s naturally fruity and fresh. They typically aren’t aged in oak barrels but may have been aged for one to two years in bottle.
• Crianza: Rioja red wines classified as “Crianza” must be aged for a total of three years, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels. White and rosé Crianza wines only need to age for a minimum of six months in oak barrels.
• Reserva: These high-quality Rioja red wines must age in oak barrels and the bottle for a minimum of three years. Reserva wines must spend at least one year in oak barrels and six months in bottle before release. Less is required for white and rosé wines—a minimum two-year period with at least six months in oak barrels.
• Gran Reserva: This is the highest quality of Rioja wines available. Gran Reserva Rioja red wines must be aged for a minimum of five years, with at least two years in 49.5-gallon oak barrels and at least two years in bottle before release. White and rosé wines need to age for at least four years, with a minimum of six months spent in oak barrels.