Rioja is one of the Iberian Peninsula's most beloved wine regions and a producer of fantastic red wines of high quality. This wonderful wine district is one of the great Spanish treasures, appreciated locally as well as globally for its distinct character and flavourful profile.
Rioja is a true treasure and well worth a visit for all wine lovers. Take a guided tour through their wine cellar or walk around among the vines in the sun and enjoy the local food and culture.
Spanish wine production
Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world, after France and Italy, only counting on bottles produces annually. Despite its third place in production, Spain has more than 1 million hectares of vineyards, making it the world's largest wine-growing area. But it isn't only the quantity of wine that puts Spain on the map among the world's leading wine countries, but also the unique taste, variations and quality of their wines.
Spanish red wine has been one of Europe's most popular choices over the years, and the demand across the globe is steadily rising, and that's no wonder. From districts by the Atlantic coast in the west to the colder mountain regions in the north, all the way to the warmer southern districts and the Mediterranian sea at the east, Spain produces incredible wines with great character and distinct nuances.
About the region and history of Rioja
Rioja is located in the northern part of Spain, on the upper valley of the Ebro River, between the two mountain ranges of the Sierra de Cantabria and the Sierra de la Demanda.
Thanks to the mountain ranges Rioja is protected from the cold Atlantic winds from the northwest, and against the strong Spanish summer heat from the southeast. which helps the region maintain a steadier temperature throughout the year.
The history of cultivating wine in Rioja goes way back. During the High Middle Ages 10th–13th century, vineyards were a usual part of rural landscapes in the Rioja region as well as the rest of Spain.
But the earliest written evidence of the existence of grape productions in La Rioja dates back to 873. In the form of a document sent from the Public Notary of San Millán to the Monastery of San Andrés de Trepeana describing a donation. Since then wine production in the region of Rioja has been an important part of their cultural heritage and everyday life. That still to this day is their greatest pride.
The three sub-districts of Rioja
The Rioja area has more than 65,000 hectares of wine-producing farmlands and the region is divided into three smaller sub-districts. The districts of Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental and Rioja Alavesa.
Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa are located at higher altitudes and have a cooler climate then Rioja Oriental. Due to the cooler climate, the grapes from these two districts ripen later in the year which creates wines with a fresher and more elegant taste. Rioja Oriental, formerly known as Rioja Baja, has a warmer climate which means that the red wines from this district usually are stronger and have higher alcohol content.
Common grape varieties
After the foundation of D.O.Ca. Rioja in 1925, only seven grape varieties were allowed to be grown commercially in the region, four red and three white varieties. In 2007 the regulating Council of the D.O.Ca. Rioja authorized the Indigenous incorporation of some additional varieties within the limits of the denomination. The new authorized varieties are; The red variety Maturana Tinta and the white varieties Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco and Turruntés or Torrontés. As well as the foreign varieties; Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Verdejo.
The 3 main varieties of red grapes, since the D:O:C was founded in 1925 have been Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo. These grape varieties are the foundation and milestones of what is known as the distinct characteristic red wine from Rioja.
Riojas DOC quality classification
Rioja may be one of the Iberian Peninsula's most beloved wine regions and a producer of fantastic red wines of high quality. In 1991 Rioja was upgraded from the ”DO” quality classification to the most prestige ”DOC” quality classification. A DOC qualification means "Qualified Designation of Origin," or in Spanish Denominación de Origen Calificada, and is the highest category of the Spanish wine regulation.
This means that the Rioja wines must be made from grapes grown in the autonomous communities of La Rioja and Navarre, and the Basque province of Álava. Rioja wines are traditionally blended, using different types of grapes in all three regions. Over the last years single-zone wines are slowly plopping up on the market, but the main production is still consisting of mixed grape varieties.
Classic Rioja wines
Rioja is the most famous and one of the most beloved wine regions in Spain and it is especially known for its characteristic red wines. Here the majority of the wine that is being produced consists of red varieties by 90.85% compared to white varieties with only 9.15% of the total production. To say the least, Rioja is a red wine district in heart and soul.
A classic red Rioja has a flavour profile. The classic taste profile has hints of blackberry, sometimes dill, with particularly soft tannins and high acidity and citrusy flavour. The red Rioja wines are known for their distinct vanilla flavours which come from the ageing that is carried out in 225-litre oak barrels for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years, and later in the bottle itself for a period of 6 months to 6 years.
Visit Rioja
With lovely countryside, mountainous regions and loads of great wine producers, this region are famous for its wines, but also for its hospitality and food. Many vineyards are opening their doors for tourists to come and be part of their heritage and production. Often offering wine tastings, tours and food pairing for eager wine tourists. Take a guided tour through their wine cellar or walk around among the vines in the sun and enjoy the local food and culture. Rioja is a true treasure and well worth a visit for all wine lovers.
