Rioja

Rioja, already renowned in the 19th century, is one of only two terroirs to benefit from the "Denominacion de Origen Calificada". Rioja owes its name to the river Oja (Rio Oja), as the appellation's vineyards are in no way tied to administrative boundaries. The Rioja vineyards straddle the Autonomous Communities of Navarre, the Basque Country and Castilla y León. This region is probably the best known of Spain's wine-producing provinces, producing, among other things, highly distinctive and renowned red wines. The reputation of Rioja wine can be assured by the quality of the products offered by Bodega Luis Cañas, Bodega Altanza or Castillo Labastida.

Most of the wine-growing region enjoys a continental climate, at an average altitude of 400m. Rioja red wines feature a typically Spanish grape variety, Tempranillo, most often combined with Grenache noir. Rioja wines are of the highest quality, thanks to strict control of yields and the use of old vines, as well as their own vinification and ageing techniques. The wines are aged for at least a few months in French and American barrels, and sometimes for several decades. Depending on ageing, there are 4 denomination categories in the Rioja appellation: "Rioja" for wines aged no more than a few months in oak barrels, "Rioja Crianza" for wines aged at least two years, including at least one year in oak, "Rioja Reserva" for wines aged at least three years, including one year in oak, and "Rioja Gran Reserva" for wines aged at least two years in oak and at least three years in bottle.

Rioja, a single appellation for excellence in the plural

Choosing a bottle of Rioja wine

Red wines

If you prefer aromas of fruit and red berries, you'll prefer young red wines that will be the zealous servants of cheese platters, grilled meats and charcuterie, preferably Spanish to stay in the same Iberian family. Lovers of more mature tastes will be delighted by a bottle of older Rioja red wine, with its woody, black fruit, blueberry and blackberry aromas, which can be enjoyed with more structured dishes such as stews and stews, as well as grilled prime rib. If you prefer denser red wines, the Rioja Oriental, with its higher alcohol content, greater structure and long finish, is a good choice.