QDO RIOJA areas
What areas make up the Designation of Origin Rioja?
The Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin is one of the most emblematic and recognised wine regions in Spain, extending over three areas that contribute to its diversity and unique character: Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental and Rioja Alavesa. It is important to know the location, climate and soil characteristics of Rioja in order to understand it better.
- Rioja Alta: Lands of History and Tradition.
Rioja Alta covers the northern part of the region of La Rioja and extends southwards to the Demanda mountain range. The soils here vary in typology, including calcareous-clay, ferrous-clay and alluvial. The relief is mostly flat, with terraces, small hills and alluvial plains. The altitude fluctuates between 400 and 600 metres above sea level.
Logroño
Capital of La Rioja, a city with a population of 150.000, is home to the headquarters of the QDO Control Board and has 15 wineries. The Ebro River flows through the city, which has historically been a stop on several pilgrim routes, such as the Camino de Santiago. The climate varies from -5ºC in winter to over 35ºC in summer. Logroño is famous for its gastronomy, lively nightlife and tapas bars.
Haro
It is the historical capital of La Rioja due to the boost it received at the end of the 19th century with the arrival of French winemakers. Several wineries were founded around the railway station and in 1892 the Oenological Station was created with the aim of modernising the wine production system.Located in the north-west of the autonomous region, its main activity is viticulture and the production of quality wines under the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin. The station area, with six wineries, is a tourist attraction attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Cenicero
This wine-growing municipality is also located in the Rioja Alta and is home to twelve wineries.
Located 25 kilometres from Logroño, in a meander of the Ebro river, between vineyards on natural terraces and small market gardens, Cenicero has a population of 2,176 inhabitants. It was one of the main centres for the development of viticulture in the 17th century.
- Rioja Oriental
It is located in the east of the autonomous region of La Rioja and includes eight municipalities of the Navarra region. The climate here is strongly Mediterranean, with warmer temperatures, and the land is fertile thanks to the waters of the Ebro and its tributaries. Cave paintings, museums, interpretation centres, spas and thermal springs make nature, history and gastronomy the essence of this eastern area.
Alfaro
It is the easternmost municipality in LaRioja and the one with the largest area of cultivated vineyards, with a total of 4,359 hectares and 7 wineries. Its origins date back to Roman times, it is surrounded by the banks of the Ebro River and its climate is characterised by irregular rainfall throughout the year. Storks are the stars of Alfaro, with more than 120 nests and 500 storks on the roofs of the Collegiate Church of San Miguel Arcángel, the largest church in La Rioja.
- Rioja Alavesa
Located in the south of the province of Alava, it consists of 18 municipalities that spread over 300 km2. It is bounded to the north by the Sierra de Cantabria and Sierra de Toloño mountains, which separate it from the rest of Álava, and to the south by the Ebro River. The Romans settled there because of its climate and orography. In this part of the Basque Country, vineyards grow at an altitude of between 400 and 700 metres above sea level.
Elciego
It has almost as many inhabitants as hectares of vineyards, with 17 wineries covering most of its territory. Like many of the other 18 towns in the Rioja Alavesa region, its economy is heavily dependent on the wine industry, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. There are currently more than 15 wineries located in the municipality.
Laguardia
This town, the capital of the Rioja Alavesa region, is a charming little enclave. It has managed to preserve its medieval atmosphere and is surrounded by walls that offer magnificent views of the surrounding vineyards. The presence of 58 wineries and an extension of 3,338 hectares of vineyards in this area is a clear testimony to the deep commitment to viticulture still maintained by its barely 1,500 inhabitants.
