Rioja (321)

Rioja: A Fascinating Wine Region with High Value

The wines from Rioja are of extremely high quality. This is evident not only through the well-developed classification system but also through the DOCa status. This translates to "Quality wine with controlled origin" - thus a true delight.

Modern or Traditional: Style of Rioja Wines

Rioja wine can be vinified traditionally or modernly. Nowadays, it is mostly about modern wine, but there are still traditionalists in this area. Only through this contrast does Rioja become a truly interesting region for viticulture in Spain.

The Traditional Style

In recent years, the traditional wine style in the region has become popular again. Especially because it was hardly used at the end of the last millennium, there are only a few winemakers who truly master it. Traditional Riojas typically age in small barrels made of used American oak. This wine style produces brilliant red, usually fruity wine with a fine body. The wines are characterized by polished tannins and woody to spicy notes.

The Modern Style

The first wine referred to as modern from this wine region comes from Marqués de Riscal. It made history by deciding to respond to new trends in viticulture in 1986. Due to late harvests, the Rioja grapes are significantly riper. The wine is aged in relatively short time in new French oak. The goal is a rich body with high tannins and intense color, often complemented by woody aromas and vanilla notes.

Barrel Aging as a Commonality of Both Styles

Always characteristic of the aging of these wines is the use of oak barrels. In Spain, the terms barrel and Rioja are used almost synonymously. The wine region has always been known for vintages that matured particularly long in small wooden barrels. Therefore, even today, the wood-aged character of the wine is known worldwide.

The Subregions of Rioja

Rioja is marketed as a coherent area. In reality, it consists of three individual parts. These not only feature different wines but also lie in different political administrative districts.

Rioja Alta

Rioja Alta is the largest subregion with 24,000 hectares. With the exception of a small part, the entire area lies south of the Ebro River. It is characterized by a combination of hot summers and cool winters. The alluvial soils consist mostly of clay and iron-rich loam. Wine from this region is mostly made from the Tempranillo variety. However, Graciano and Mazuelo are also very popular. The wines are marked by high acidity, tannins, and a rich body. They also possess an extremely high aging potential.

Rioja Baja

The 20,500-hectare area Rioja Baja lies south of Logroño, which is the capital of the province of La Rioja. Here, gentle hills and flat landscapes alternate. With a continental, almost Mediterranean climate, it is the warmest subregion of the wine area. The soils consist of clay, sand, river stones, and loam. Here, Garnacha rather than the otherwise popular Tempranillo thrives. Extract-rich and powerful wines are the result of this diverse terroir.

Rioja Alavesa

Rioja Alavesa is the Basque part of the wine region. The area is slightly higher and adjoins the Cantabrian Mountains. The soils have a very high lime content. On 12,000 hectares, mostly small vineyards and quiet family businesses dominate the market. The wines from this region are traditionally consumed rather young. They are fruity and light, yet still carry spicy notes.

The Most Popular Grape Varieties of Rioja

Four varieties dominate the vineyards: Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha, and Mazuelo. They are characterized by completely different properties. In the extensive range from VINELLO, all four varieties are available, which will reach you quickly, safely, and climate-neutrally.

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is not only the most popular grape variety for Rioja red wine, but also the most important and commonly grown variety in the region. The fact that there are over eighty different names for this grape variety shows how old and widespread it is. It was first mentioned in the 13th century.

The term "Tempranillo" comes from "temprano", the Spanish word for "early" - because the wine ripens quite early. These are highly productive vines that mean for Spain what Cabernet Sauvignon means for France. The fruity wines are characterized by an intense color and soft tannins, while the acidity remains rather medium. Tempranillo wines play with multifaceted aromas ranging from strawberries to spices to leather and tobacco.

Graciano

Graciano is a medium-late ripening grape variety. It is low-yielding but has great aging potential. In the 19th century, the Graciano variety was on the verge of extinction due to phylloxera. However, after Rioja was elevated to DOCa status, the popular variety was revived. It produces color-intensive red wines with noticeable acidity and rich tannins. The aromas remind of an interesting combination of cherry and pepper.

Garnacha

There are numerous synonyms for the Garnacha variety, which confirms its international spread. It is characterized by a rich growth and high alcohol content. As a result, winemakers traditionally prune the wine early, and the harvest also takes place rather early. Although there are great differences in grape colors, this variety almost always yields very pale Rioja wine. Nevertheless, the wine remains full-bodied and juicy with fruity aromas of strawberry, black cherry, and red currant.

Mazuelo

Pure varietal wines of the Mazuelo grape are an absolute rarity, as stocks in Spain are not very high. The wine has a dark color and appears almost black in the glass, yet with low alcohol content. In flavor, Mazuelo presents itself robustly, particularly in warm years with long growing phases, it becomes especially characterful. Alongside high tannins and light, herbal aromas, the notes of blackberry, earth, and licorice are particularly interesting.

Classification of Rioja Wines

The strong success of the Riojas is mainly due to the well-structured classification of the wine according to quality and aging. For years, there was no change in this system, which was often set as a standard throughout Spain and Portugal. In other countries as well, the various classes make it easier to assess quality.

Rioja Crianza

Red wines with the designation Crianza must have aged for at least two years, one of which must be in oak barrels. For white wine, a minimum aging period of six months in barrel is required.

Rioja Reserva

For Reserva wines, a minimum aging period of three years is required. Red wines must be aged for at least one year in barrel, while white wines require another six months.

Rioja Gran Reserva

Gran Reserva is the highest quality level of this wine region, which is also reflected in higher prices. These wines age for a minimum of five years. For red wines, the aging time must be at least two years in barrel, for white wines six months.

Interesting Facts about Rioja

What Soils Are There?

The soils in this area consist mostly of iron-rich loam, clay, and river stones. Depending on the location, sand and lime are also added, so that each wine develops its own character due to the different regions.

What Grape Varieties Are Grown Here?

The area is primarily known for the popular grape variety Tempranillo, but also yields interesting Graciano wines. In addition, there are the very light and fruity Garnacha variety as well as Mazuelo with dark color and robust character.

What Wine Style Dominates the Region?

The traditional wine style was increasingly seen as outdated towards the end of the last millennium. Late harvests and a short aging are the characteristics of the newer, modern style. This is now contrasted with the traditional cellar work, which has become more popular again in recent years.

Buy Rioja Wines Online at VINELLO

Rioja is undoubtedly the most fascinating and productive wine region in all of Spain. At VINELLO, you can browse an extensive range and find the right wine for your taste. It will be shipped quickly and easily to your delivery address. Whether fruity, woody, or with pronounced acidity - Rioja has it all.