Rioja: Wines with Tradition

Located in the north of Spain, the Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja is known for producing some of the most exquisite and renowned wines in the world. If you have ever wondered, “What kind of wine is Rioja?” or if you are interested in exploring the wonderful universe of Rioja wines, you are in the right place.

Rioja’s history as a wine region goes back centuries. Its roots go back to Roman culture, when the first vines were planted in this fertile soil. Over the years, the tradition of viticulture has been passed down from generation to generation, evolving and perfecting itself over time. Rioja is a place where experience and passion come together to produce wines that tell stories and celebrate the region’s unique terroir.

Emblematic Varieties

When it comes to the types of wine produced in Rioja, the answer is diverse and exciting. The region is known for a variety of wine styles, but some types are emblematic. Below, we mention some of the most notable ones:

• Rioja red wine: Rioja red wines are known for their elegance, balance and complexity. They are mainly made from red grapes such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. These wines have themes of ripe fruit, spice and oak, and are often aged in oak barrels, giving them a distinctive character.
• Rioja white wine: Although the reds are the most famous, Rioja’s whites also have a special place. Made mainly from Viura and Malvasía grapes, these wines are fresh and lively with notes of white and floral fruits. Some whites also undergo an ageing process that gives them complexity and elegance.
• Rioja rosé wine: These wines are made from red grapes, such as Garnacha and Tempranillo. They have a beautiful pale pink colour and present notes of red and citrus fruits.

After exploring the emblematic Rioja varieties, it is time to explore another equally important facet: classification according to aging.

• Ageing: These wines spend at least two years at rest, one of them in 225-litre oak barrels. However, in the case of white and rosé wines, this period is reduced to 6 months in barrels. But what makes a Crianza wine so special? The harmony achieved between the fruit aromas, known as the primary aromas, and the nuances provided by the oak wood in the barrel, known as secondary aromas. 
• Reserva: For special occasions, the wines in the “Reserva” category are ideal. Made from selected grapes, they are aged for a minimum of three years (two years for whites and rosés). These wines stand out for their greater complexity, exhibiting the three types of aromas: fruity (primary), wood (secondary) and ageing (tertiary), such as tobacco, leather and truffle. They are the perfect choice for truly special moments.
• Gran Reserva: These wines come from exceptional vintages and undergo a long ageing process, with a minimum of 2 years in 225-litre oak barrels and another 2 years in bottle. However, for white and rosé wines, the ageing period is reduced to 4 years, with at least 6 months in barrel. This extensive maturation process is what gives the Grandes Reservas their distinctive complexity and aromatic intensity, resulting in fine, elegant wines. 

The diversity of styles and flavours in the Rioja region ensures that there is something for every palate and every occasion. From young and fresh wines to wines of great complexity and sophistication. If you would like more information, you have at your disposal an extensive classification where you will discover all the typologies that distinguish Rioja.

QDO Rioja: Wines with Quality Seal

The QDO Rioja is the regulatory body that guarantees the quality and authenticity of the wines of this region. This label is synonymous with excellence and is only awarded to wines that meet the rigorous standards of the DOCa. Rioja. The wines bearing this label are testimony to the craftsmanship and dedication of the region’s winegrowers and winemakers.

To discover the diversity of Rioja wines, we invite you to explore the official website. Here, you will find detailed information about the wineries, grape varieties, wine styles and vintages. You can also find out about wine-related events and activities taking place in the region.