Rioja

3.8/5See all 2,799 reviews

The Rioja region, already renowned in the 19th century, is one of two wine regions to hold the "Denominación de Origen Calificada" designation. Rioja owes its name to the River Oja (Rio Oja), and the appellation’s vineyards do not correspond to any administrative boundaries. Thus, the Rioja wine region straddles the autonomous communities of Navarre, the Basque Country, and Castile and León. This region is likely the best-known of Spain’s wine-producing provinces, producing, among other things, highly distinctive and renowned red wines. The reputation of Rioja wine is further solidified by the quality of the wines produced by Bodega Luis Cañas, Bodega Altanza, and Castillo Labastida.

Most of the wine-growing region enjoys a continental climate, at an average altitude of 400 meters. Rioja red wines feature a typically Spanish grape variety, Tempranillo, most often blended with Grenache Noir. Rioja wines are of very high quality, thanks in particular to strict yield control, the use of old vines, and unique winemaking and aging techniques. In fact, the wines age for at least a few months in French and American oak barrels, sometimes for several decades. Depending on the aging process, there are four categories within the Rioja appellation : "Rioja" for wines aged for no more than a few months in oak barrels, "Rioja Crianza" for wines aged for at least two years, including at least one year in oak barrels, "Rioja Reserva" for wines aged for at least three years, including one year in oak barrels, and "Rioja Gran Reserva" for those aged for at least two years in oak barrels and at least three years in the bottle.

Let's be honest. Given France's rich wine heritage, wine lovers here are all too easily tempted to stick to drinking and tasting wines from within the country's borders. While this is good news for our winemakers, the urge to explore and discover other regions through their wines is also an excellent way to add variety to your palate.

Spain’s tradition in this regard is well established; it has existed for thousands of years, just as it has in France. These wines offer their unique qualities—their aromas and flavors—which always serve as a delightful reflection of the country. While there are many such wines, let’s focus on Rioja wines!

Rioja: a single appellation, a multitude of excellences

First of all, it’s important to know that three regions in Spain share this appellation: the Montes Obarenes-Toloño and Cantabria mountain ranges in the north, and the Demanda and Cameros mountain ranges in the south. They are traversed by the Ebro River and its tributaries. Thus, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa cover the western half of the appellation, on the Atlantic side, benefiting from the ocean’s coolness and humidity, while Rioja Baja lies to the east of the region, featuring a Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine, heat that often leads to drought, and significant temperature variations. A few words about precipitation: it varies significantly from west to east, from the hills to the valleys, ranging from 350 to 500 mm per year. Across the three regions—and within each of them—there are numerous distinct terroirs, varying by altitude, the quality of their highly calcareous, rocky soils, and their exposure to sun and wind.

Choosing a bottle of Rioja wine

It is, after all, the starting point for anyone wishing to understand all the nuances of Rioja wines—choosing a bottle, even though we know that all Rioja wines are synonymous with centuries-old tradition and a commitment to quality.

Red wines

If you prefer the aromas of red fruits and berries, you’ll want to choose young red wines, which pair perfectly with cheese platters, grilled meats, and charcuterie—preferably Spanish, to stay within the Iberian family. Connoisseurs who prefer more mature flavors will find their happiness in a bottle of older Rioja red wine, with its notes of wood, black fruits, blueberries, and blackberries, which pairs well with more robust dishes, stews, and casseroles, as well as a perfectly grilled rib of beef. Note that if you prefer denser red wines, Rioja Oriental—which is higher in alcohol, more structured, and has a lingering finish—will be a good choice.

White wines

Wines from top-tier vineyards can also be white. Among Rioja white wines, the standout is the Viura or Macabeu. These wines are best enjoyed chilled, which brings out their flavors of wildflowers, citrus, and spring breezes. Enjoy them as an aperitif, but also with light dishes, cheeses, fish, and shellfish—in short, dishes that evoke or are perfect for sunny days.

For more information, visit the website at Rioja