Rioja Oriental

Originally called Rioja Baja, this is the warmest and the easternmost part of Rioja. It is also the largest and the most productive of all sub-zones. In the past, the region was often unfairly overshadowed by Alta and Alavesa appellations, due to its low elevation and warm climate.

Garnacha is the most planted variety, but in the 1980s, there was a tendency to replace it with the more popular Tempranillo. Traditionally, the wines coming from this region had a higher alcohol content, flavors of juicy fruit, and less acidity than Alta and Alavesa wines.

Recent trends show the tendency to position vineyards at higher altitudes, which results in well-balanced wines of excellent quality and character. Rioja Oriental gained its current name in 2018 after it was agreed that the former label Baja, meaning lower, had a somewhat negative undertone.