Rioja, A Century at the Grand Tables

• The exclusive tastings “Rioja, A Century at the Grand Tables” brought together some of Spain’s top sommeliers in Madrid and Barcelona to experience the century-long quality and evolution of DOCa Rioja wines.
• These gatherings, held on April 7 and 28, reaffirmed Rioja’s leadership in Spanish gastronomy and showcased the diversity of the Designation through a tasting of rosé, white, and Gran Reserva wines, among others.
• The next editions will take place in autumn, in Galicia and Andalusia, once again bringing together top professionals around the quality of the Designation’s wines in celebration of its Centennial.

The wines of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (DOCa) continue to captivate the most discerning palates in Spain—even after a century. This was evident in the sommelier gatherings held on April 7 and 28 in Barcelona and Madrid, respectively.

The initiative “Rioja, A Century at the Grand Tables” brought together nearly thirty of the country’s top sommeliers for a series of exclusive tastings, created by and for experts. Seventeen exceptional Rioja wines were carefully selected in collaboration with each restaurant’s head sommelier to deliver an outstanding experience. In doing so, the diversity and contrasts of Rioja—its colors (rosé, white, and red), aging styles, grape varieties, soils, and climates—came to life through the wines tasted.

These exclusive gatherings—held on April 7 at the prestigious Vía Veneto restaurant in Barcelona, and this past Monday, April 28, at the renowned Zalacaín restaurant in Madrid, successfully carried out despite the “Great Blackout”—celebrated the quality and diversity of Rioja and its wines throughout its hundred-year history as a Designation. They also reaffirmed Rioja’s position as a leader in the Spanish gastronomic and hospitality scene.

José Martínez and Pedro Monge, sommelier and director of Vía Veneto respectively, along with Custodio López Zamarra, a prominent figure and former sommelier at Zalacaín, and the current sommelier, Raúl Miguel Revilla, led attending professionals at each restaurant on a sensory journey through the richness and diversity of Rioja wines, paired with exquisite dishes from each venue. Each wine, disgorgement, and glass told the story of a Designation that has preserved its essence while evolving with the times—reaffirming Rioja’s enduring presence at the “Grand Tables” throughout the years.

Pablo Franco, Technical Director of the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, commented at the end of one of the sessions: “Rioja has managed to remain true to its essence while evolving, adapting to the times and tastes without losing the identity that makes it unique. This Centennial of Rioja not only celebrates its legacy and capacity for innovation, but also the consistent quality maintained over the centuries. Without a doubt, it’s the perfect occasion to uncork a Rioja and connect with its history—and with the people we share it with.”

During both evenings, the prosperous history of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin was shared with the attending experts, who also had the opportunity to discover and enjoy DOCa wineries through the wines presented, along with anecdotes and a few oenological surprises—creating what participants described as a “memorable” and “enriching” atmosphere. Both the tasting and the conversations around the table highlighted the quality and versatility of Rioja wines.

Two new dates for “Rioja, A Century at the Grand Tables” will soon take place in Galicia and Andalusia this autumn, continuing the series of activities and events to commemorate the Centennial of the Designation in 2025.