Rioja was the first Spanish appellation that received protected status. This renowned Spanish region is located in the north of the country, on both sides of the river Ebro. It is best known for its red varietals and blends, and while Tempranillo is the dominant grape, blending varieties include Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Maturana varieties.
Some amount of rosés and whites are also produced. The region is vast, and it is divided into three subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Aging guidelines categorize it under the generic label with no aging requirements (also known as Joven), Crianza (aged for two years), Reserva (at least three years of age), and Gran Reserva (five years of age and a minimum of two years in a barrel). Read more
The entire area is impacted by two different climates—Atlantic and Mediterranean—but specific microclimates and different types of soil, together with different winemaking techniques and maturation, generate various styles and greatly influence the final character of Rioja wines.
They can range from light, fruity, and approachable styles to more complex expressions that often showcase rich notes of dark fruit and spices. Most styles will have firm tannins that are balanced with bright acidity. Pairing suggestions mostly depend on the style and the age, but most examples work well with pork, lamb, and spicy dishes.
Aged varieties may also be a good match with game. The new classification system that allows the use of village and municipality on the label tends to encourage producers not to rely exclusively on oak-aging as the sign of quality.
Types of Rioja
Serve with
Chorizo
Chorizo is a Spanish sausage consisting of chopped pork meat and fat that is seasoned with paprika, and sometimes garlic. The combination of these ingredients is then ... Read more
Moussaka
Moussaka is one of the best known Greek dishes – a baked casserole consisting of ground lamb meat and layers of sliced eggplant, covered with a thick layer of bechamel ... Read more
Paella
Widely acclaimed as the most popular Spanish dish, paella is a one-pot specialty that is based on saffron-flavored rice, while the additional ingredients may include meat,... Read more
Cheeseburger
Cheeseburger is a natural evolution of the beloved hamburger, the only difference between the two being that the cheeseburger has a slice of cheese added on top of the ... Read more
Best Rioja
El Coto de Rioja
El Duque de Miralta Rioja Reserva
Bodegas López de Heredia
Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2004
Bodegas Roda
Cirsion 2021
La Rioja Alta
Viña Ardanza Reserva 2017
Bodegas López de Heredia
Viña Bosconia Reserva 2012
Other Rioja varieties
