By Clodagh Dowson
Arguably the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking, the region of la Rioja has been producing delicious wines since as early as ancient Rome, thanks to its fertile soil and climate.
Rioja predominantly produces red wines and is most famous for the Tempranillo grape, however about 10% of its wine production is made up of white and rosé. Spanning across three different communities (La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre) and stretching 75 miles across North Central Spain, the country’s most famous wine region can be divided into three different zones, each with its own distinct characteristics.
Key Regions
Rioja Alta
Located in the upper West of Rioja and encompassing the region’s wine capital, Haro, Rioja Alta produces grapes that retain acidity yet ripen late thanks to the slopes they grow on. Wines from Rioja Alta tend to age well, have higher tannins and be more elegant thanks to the elevation and cooler temperatures.
Rioja Alavesa
Sharing many characteristics with Rioja Alta yet located in the Basque country, Alavesa wines also tend to be tannic and acidic. Red wines from this zone also tend to be known for their fruity notes and distinctive scents.
Rioja Oriental
Formerly known as Rioja Baja, this zone produces fruitier and richer wines thanks to the hotter, Mediterranean climate. As opposed to wines from Alavesa and Rioja Alta, wines from Rioja Oriental are usually designed to be drank younger.
Characteristics of Wines from Rioja
Blending Atlantic, Continental and Mediterranean climates, along with high rainfall and diverse clay rich soils, the Rioja region produces high quality grapes and therefore high-quality wines. Tempranillo grapes produce fruit forward, light wines and blossom into silky, elegant wines when aged in oak. Garnacha is another popular grape grown in Rioja (it is usually blended with Tempranillo to produce your typical Crianza). Rioja also has a strict classification system when it comes to wine, with regulations regarding barrel and lees aging as well as inspection to ensure consistency in product quality across the region. There are four main styles of wine produced in this region: Rioja, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva (with Riojas being the youngest and Gran Resveras being the oldest).
History of Rioja
Wine production in Rioja has been confirmed to be as old as ancient Rome, since fermentation containers dating back to this time have been uncovered in the area. Since then, monasteries and the region’s position on the Camino de Santiago have enabled a flourishing wine production scene, as pilgrims were offered local wines whilst staying at monasteries on the Camino, before promoting them in their native countries upon their return home. Despite the ideal climate and soil conditions for wineries, Rioja’s winemakers have struggled with their distance to the port – meaning that up until the 1800s most of the wine produced in this region was consumed by residents and pilgrims. However, after the completion of a rail system in the mid-19th century connecting Rioja to Irun and Bilbao, winemakers were able to establish themselves within the international market. A fungal outbreak reducing grape harvest in Galicia and a Phylloxera epidemic in France in the mid-19th century also increased demand for winemakers in Rioja. Expanding its wine production and international reputation ever since its first official regulation in 1925 (Destination of Origin Rioja), Rioja is now only one of two Spanish regions to receive recognition of high quality and consistent wines by Spanish regulators (alongside Priorat in Catalonia).
Food Pairings
When pairing food and wine, experts generally recommend what grows together, goes together, and Rioja is no exception. Locals traditionally eat rustic meals made from local produce; however, the simplicity and quality of these ingredients have come together to form a delicious local cuisine. Thanks to their structure, wines from Rioja pair with a range of textures and flavours. A smoky, red rioja would work beautifully alongside lamb chargrilled over a fire made from old vines (a local speciality), whilst an oaked white rioja would complement garlic hake over stewed white beans.
Visiting Rioja
With Spain already being a popular tourist destination thanks to its incredible climate, laid back lifestyle and delicious cuisine, why not plan your next trip to one of Europe’s best wine regions? But Rioja isn’t just worth visiting for its wine – experience beautiful landscapes, medieval castles, picturesque towns and a bustling tapas scene in this unique and underrated destination. If you are planning a trip to Rioja, don’t miss out on the San Mateo wine harvest festival at the end of September. Taking place in the region’s administrative capital,Logroño, the festivities include foot crushing of grapes, bull running and parades. Logroño is also worth visiting as a destination within itself, with art-nouveau architecture, riverside walks and a lively bar scene. Make sure you visit Calle Laurel, an infamous street home to over 50 tapas bars with each establishment focusing on its own speciality. Although Logroño is Rioja’s administrative capital, Haro is considered the wine capital of the region. A small, hilltop town in Rioja Alta, Haro contains an abundance of historic Bodegas and independent wine bars. For wine history enthusiasts, Vivanca would make an excellent day trip from Haro, being the world’s largest wine museum with a winery, restaurant and gardens available to visitors.
Marqués de Tomares Rioja Crianza | Waddesdon Manor
This Crianza embodies the classic character of Rioja with a modern touch. Deep ruby in color, it opens with inviting aromas of ripe red berries, black cherries, and hints of vanilla and toasted oak from its time in barrel. On the palate, supple tannins support flavors of plum, raspberry, and a subtle spice, complemented by well-integrated acidity that lends freshness. The finish is smooth and lingering, with delicate notes of cedar and cocoa. A beautifully structured wine, ideal for pairing with grilled meats, mature cheeses, or traditional Spanish tapas.
Marqués de Tomares Rioja Gran Reserva | Waddesdon Manor
Marques de Tomares Reserva is aged for a total of 60 months; 30 months in French oak barrels, and a further 30 months resting the cellar after bottling. This level of maturity has enabled the wine to shake off its tannic structure and allowed its wonderful complexity to shine the vines that deliver the fruit destined for this Gran Reserva blend were planted as early as 1930- this enables a degree of complexity and concentration – which is evident on the palate. Tempranillo and Granciano are vinified with a splash of Viura which helps to lift the blend. After an hour in decanter the wine offers red cherry, cigar box, dark chocolate shavings, toasted vanilla and layers of warm spice.
