Rioja wine

The renowned Rioja wine region in northern Spain is famous for its full-bodied, robust red wines. Despite being one of the smaller wine regions in Spain, its winemakers account for around 90% of the country’s wine production.

The foundation of Rioja red wine is the Tempranillo grape, a thick-skinned, deeply-coloured variety. Known for producing full-bodied, dark red wines, Tempranillo is loved for its rich plum, raspberry and strawberry flavours. While it is a distinctive single varietal, it’s often combined with Grenache, Graciano, and Mazuelo to create a diverse range of Rioja wines.

The Tempranillo grape is primarily responsible for the characteristics of Rioja wines, which are typically medium to full-bodied. These wines contain a high alcohol content, ranging from 13.5% to 15% ABV, and feature strong tannins. Tempranillo delivers Rioja wine’s characteristic flavours of plum, cherry, vanilla and a touch of leather, which adds a savoury dimension.

While Rioja is famed for its red blends, the region also produces premium white and rosé wines that showcase its winemakers’ skills.

Rioja is a wine region in northern Spain. It is surrounded by the Cantabrian Mountains to the north and the Sierra de la Demanda Mountains to the south. The region extends across the Ebro Valley and is separated by the Ebro and Oja Rivers.

The climate in Rioja is mainly continental, with an average of 24 inches of annual rainfall and varying temperatures throughout the seasons. During the winter months, the region experiences the cold and dry cierzo wind.

The region is famous for its red Rioja wines, known for their fruity and rich flavours, making them a symbol of Spanish winemaking.

The Rioja wine region has three primary areas, each with a unique terroir and winemaking style. Collectively, these regions form the Rioja Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa), each contributing its own character and style to the renowned wines of Rioja:

• Rioja Alta – Situated on the western edge of the Rioja region, Rioja Alta boasts high-altitude vineyards where slow-ripening grapes thrive in cooler temperatures. Dominated by Tempranillo, wines from this subregion are typically more structured and robust than others due to their higher tannin content.
• Rioja Alavesa – Despite being a smaller subregion, Rioja Alavesa commands respect for its high-quality wines. Located in the northernmost part of Rioja, near the Cantabrian Mountains, it features some vineyards that extend higher than 500 metres above sea level. The chalk-clay soil and cooler climate provide ideal conditions for growing Tempranillo grapes.
• Rioja Oriental – Located in the region’s eastern part, Rioja Oriental has a warmer, Mediterranean-style climate. Its alluvial soils are ideal for growing Garnacha vines, which produce high-alcohol, low-acidity wines. These wines are often used to add depth and colour to blended wines.

Rioja wines are grouped into four main classification levels: Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Each classification signifies the wine’s total ageing period, including the time spent maturing in oak barrels and the bottle. They are regulated by the Consejo Regulador of the Rioja Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa).

While these classifications provide minimum ageing requirements, many winemakers age their wines longer to further develop their complexity and character.

• Joven – Meaning ‘young’ in Spanish, these wines are designed to be enjoyed young to preserve their fresh and fruity characteristics. Joven wines typically see little to no oak ageing and may spend up to a year or two in the bottle before release.
• Crienaza – This classification applies to red Rioja wines aged for three years, with at least one year spent in oak barrels. White and rosé Crianza wines spend six months in oak barrels.
• Reserva – Reserva wines represent high-quality wines aged for at least three years. For red wines, this includes a minimum of one year in oak barrels and at least six months in bottles. White and rosé Reserva wines have a two-year ageing period, six months of which should be in oak barrels.
• Gran Reserva – These wines represent the pinnacle of Rioja winemaking. Red Gran Reservas are aged for five years, including at least two years in oak barrels and another two years in bottles. White and rosé Gran Reserva wines must be aged for at least four years, with six months in oak barrels.

Many dishes can be elevated with a good bottle of Rioja!

Fresh and fruity Joven Riojas match well with lighter dishes such as grilled vegetables or fresh salads. The wine’s vibrant profile can also balance the richness of fatty fish, which means it’s an excellent match for barbecued barramundi or tuna steaks.

Due to their oak ageing, Crianza Riojas have more structure, so they can hold their own against heartier dishes. Traditional pairings for this red wine include roast lamb or grilled pork. Mushroom risotto or ratatouille also make an excellent match.

For special occasions or more decadent dishes, turn to Reserva Rioja reds. They complement meat dishes like slow-cooked beef stew or a traditional Spanish paella.

If you choose white and rosé Reserva Riojas, pair them with rich fish dishes or poultry served with creamy sauces. These wines maintain a balanced acidity that can cut through the richness of the food while their subtle fruit notes complement their flavours.

Complex and deep, Gran Reserva wines are a good match for aged cheeses, truffle-infused dishes or slow-roasted meats with herbs. These wines are ideal for special celebrations or a dinner party.