Rioja wine

Rioja is a northern Spanish wine region about two and a half hours from the French border by car. Framed by the imposing Cantabrian Mountains to the north and the Sierra de la Demanda Mountains to the south, this wine region stretches over the Ebro Valley and is split by the Ebro and Oja Rivers.

The climate in Rioja is primarily continental, with up to 24 inches of yearly rainfall and shifting temperatures throughout the seasons. The el cierzo breeze, known for its dry and cold gusts, sweeps through during winter.

Despite being one of the smaller wine regions in Spain, its winemakers account for 90% of the country’s wine production. Red Rioja wines are the region’s signature – distinctly fruity and opulent they’ve become an iconic example of Spanish winemaking.

• Rioja Alta: Rioja Alta’s vineyards are found at high altitudes on the region’s western edge. The cooler temperature here is perfect for growing slowly ripening grapes. This region is known for its Old World-style blended reds with Tempranillo bases. Rioja Alta’s wines are more structured and robust than other Rioja subregions, thanks to their higher tannins.
• Rioja Alavesa: Rioja Alavesa has a reputation for creating some of the most highly respected Rioja wines, despite being the smallest subregion. Close to the Cantabrian Mountains in the northernmost part of Rioja, Rioja Alavesa has high-altitude vineyards that are often more than 500 metres above sea level. This subregion’s chalk-clay soil and cooler climate are perfect for growing high-quality Tempranillo grapes.
• Rioja Oriental: Previously known as Rioja Baja and found in the east of the Rioja region, Rioja Oriental has a warmer, drier Mediterranean-style climate. Its alluvial soil is perfect for growing Garnacha vines, and this region is famous for making high-alcohol, low-acidity wines that are perfect for adding colour to blended wines.

Tempranillo is the grape most widely associated with Rioja. This black-skinned grape creates full-bodied wines with a deep colour and flavours of plum, raspberry and strawberry. A blend-friendly wine, it’s often mixed with Grenache, Graciano and Mazuelo.

Tempranillo is the most common grape found in Rioja wines. With Tempranillo as a base, Rioja wines have a medium-full body with high alcohol levels (13.5-15% ABV) and robust tannins. Typical flavours include plum, cherry, leather and vanilla, with a savoury hint.

While Rioja’s reds often steal the limelight, the region’s winemaking also extends to premium white and rosé wines.

Learn more in our beginner's guide to the wines of Rioja.

Rioja wines are split into four classification levels – Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. Each classification refers to the wine’s total ageing period, including time spent maturing in oak barrels and the bottle. These are minimum requirements, however, and many winemakers age their wines for longer.

• Joven: Directly translating to “young”, these wines are meant to be enjoyed while they retain their fresh and fruity character. Joven wines aren’t typically aged in oak barrels but may spend a year or two in the bottle.
• Crianza: This refers to Rioja red wines that have been aged for a total of three years – including a minimum of one year in oak barrels. White and rosé Crianza wines only need to age for a minimum of six months in oak barrels.
• Reserva: These high-quality red wines are aged for at least three years, split between a minimum of one year in oak barrels and at least six months in bottles. White and rosé Reserva wines undergo a two-year ageing cycle, with a mandatory six months in oak barrels.
• Gran Reserva: These Rioja red wines are aged over five years, with at least two years spent in 49.5-gallon oak barrels and another two years in bottles before sale. White and rosé Gran Reserva wines must age for at least four years, with at least six months spent in oak barrels.

With their rich and varied flavours, Rioja wines complement a wide array of dishes.

Fresh fruity Joven Riojas can be served with light starters. Think dishes such as tapas, grilled vegetables and crisp salads. Their brightness can also cut through the richness of fatty fish, making them a good option with dishes such as grilled sardines or tuna steaks.

With a more structured body due to its oak ageing, Crianza Riojas can stand up to heartier dishes. Classic pairings include roasted lamb, grilled pork and mildly spiced dishes. For vegetarians, mushroom risottos or aubergine parmigiana  are a good bet.

With more complexity, Reserva Rioja red wines are ideal for special occasions and richer dishes. They go well with game meats such as venison or duck, slow-cooked beef stew or a classic Spanish paella. If you’re sticking with white and rosé Reservas, richer fish dishes or poultry in creamy sauces work well.

The complex depth of Gran Reserva wines makes them a good match for aged cheeses, truffle-infused dishes or slow-roasted meats with herbs – ideal for special dinners or celebrations.

Discover more delicious food and wine pairings.