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Rioja wine region
Photo: Mario La Pergola on Unsplash
Oak-aged reds with a long history.
The world's largest vineyard area, led by Tempranillo and Garnacha.
Notable producers in Rioja
- La Rioja Alta
- CVNE
- Marqués de Murrieta
- López de Heredia
- Muga
Official appellations
| Appellation | Status | Style | Grapes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rioja (1991) Spain's first DOCa (DO since 1925), split into Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. Labels show oak ageing: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. | DOCa | Red | Tempranillo, Garnacha / Grenache, Graciano |
Rioja wines to try
La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva
Rioja · Rioja Alta · Tempranillo, Garnacha / Grenache
Classic oak-aged Rioja: strawberry, vanilla, leather and spice.
Food: Roast lamb, chorizo
CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva
Rioja · Rioja Alta · Tempranillo, Graciano
Long-aged and silky: dried cherry, tobacco and sweet spice.
Food: Suckling lamb, mushrooms
Campo Viejo Reserva
Rioja · Tempranillo, Graciano, Carignan
Classic, affordable Rioja: red cherry, vanilla and sweet spice from oak.
Food: Lamb chops, chorizo, tapas
Bodegas Roda Roda I Blanco
Rioja · Viura, Garnacha Blanca
Modern white Rioja: textured, mineral and finely oaked.
Food: Grilled fish, chicken
La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva
Classic American-oak Rioja: cherry, vanilla and dill.
Food: Lamb, chorizo
Marqués de Murrieta Reserva
Rioja · Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
Rich, polished Rioja Reserva.
Food: Lamb, steak
Marqués de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial
Rioja · Tempranillo, Mazuelo
Murrieta's flagship: long-aged, layered and refined.
Food: Roast lamb, game
More wine regions in Spain
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