30/01/2025

A Beginner’s Guide to Rioja Wine

If you like bold reds (or whites... more on that later) with a story to tell, Rioja is a great place to start. Spain’s most famous wine region has been making wine for centuries, blending tradition with innovation in a way that keeps things interesting. Whether you’re a casual drinker or you're really looking to geek out on aging classifications, Rioja has a bottle for you.

The Lay of the Land: Climate & Geography

Rioja is tucked into northern Spain, with the Ebro River running through its vineyards. It’s flanked by the Cantabrian Mountains, which block some (but not all) of the cold, wet weather from the Atlantic. That means Rioja has a mix of influences: cold ocean breezes, warm Spanish sunshine, the cooling effects of altitude, and dry continental air. This balance gives Rioja wines their structure—rich but not heavy, fresh but not too light.

The region is split into three subzones:

Rioja Alta – Higher elevation, cooler climate, and home to some of the most elegant, age-worthy wines.

Rioja Alavesa – Similar to Alta but even more Atlantic-influenced, with wines that tend to be fresh and aromatic.

Rioja Oriental (formerly Baja) – Warmer and drier, producing riper, fruitier wines.

A Little History

Rioja has been making wine since at least Roman times, but its modern reputation took off in the 19th century. When phylloxera (that nasty vine-killing louse) devastated France’s vineyards, Bordeaux winemakers travelled south to Rioja, bringing their barrels and aging expertise. This is why red wines from Rioja reds often have a distinctive fine-grained tannic texture and layers of spice and smoke —you can thank those French oak barrels.

The Grapes

Rioja is mostly about red wine, and Tempranillo is the undisputed star. It’s a versatile grape, known for its red fruit, tobacco, and leather notes. But it rarely plays alone—Rioja blends are common.

Tempranillo – The backbone of Rioja reds: cherry, plum, spice.

Garnacha (Grenache) – This heat-loving grape adds warmth, fruitiness, and alcohol and is more prominent in Rioja Oriental.

Graciano – A small but mighty grape, bringing dark fruit, floral notes, and freshness. A good one to look out for.

Mazuelo (Carignan) – Adds color, acidity, and tannins.

White Rioja: More Than an Afterthought

Red Rioja has traditionally got all the fame, but white Rioja (Vino Blanco de Rioja) is a rising star. These wines can range from light and crisp to rich, nutty, and complex.

Key White Grape Varieties

Viura (Macabeo) – The backbone of White Rioja, offering fresh citrus, floral notes, and good acidity.

Malvasía – Adds body, texture, and a touch of tropical fruit.

Garnacha Blanca – Brings richness and herbal notes.

Tempranillo Blanco – A rare mutation of Tempranillo, with vibrant acidity and citrus flavors.

Maturana Blanca – One of Spain’s oldest white grapes, offering freshness and minerality.

Styles of White Rioja

Young & Fresh – Unoaked, crisp, citrus-driven wines perfect for seafood and summer sipping.

Barrel-Aged – Aged in oak, giving nutty, creamy, and toasty notes, often compared to white Burgundy.

Single-Vineyard Whites – Showcasing specific terroirs, offering depth and minerality.

Winemaking & Aging

One of Rioja’s claims to fame is its aging system, which tells you how long the wine has spent in barrels and bottles before release. The longer the aging, the more complex (and often more expensive) the wine. However older doesn't always mean best - if it's an easy-drinking and fruit-forward wine you're looking for then don't be shy about going for a Joven.

Joven – Young and fruity, with little to no oak influence. This is your fruity everyday wine.

Crianza – A minimum of two years of aging, with at least one in oak. Balanced, with fresh fruit and a touch of spice.

Reserva – Aged at least three years (one in oak). More depth, structure, and smoothness.

Gran Reserva – The top-tier, aged at least five years (two in oak). Expect deep flavors, silky texture, and serious aging potential. Won't be made every year, depends on how good the vintage conditions are.

What’s Happening Now?

Rioja has always been about tradition, but modern winemakers are shaking things up. There’s a growing focus on single-vineyard wines, highlighting Rioja’s terroir rather than just the aging classifications. Some winemakers are also dialing back on oak to let the fruit shine, while others are reviving nearly forgotten grape varieties.

How to Drink

Classic Pairings: Rioja loves food. A bold Reserva with lamb, a fresh Crianza with tapas, a crisp white Rioja with seafood.

Serving Tip: Older Riojas (especially Gran Reserva) can benefit from decanting to open up their flavours.

Where to Start: If you’re new to Rioja, try a Crianza—it’s affordable, easy to drink, and a great intro to the region’s style.

The Takeaway

Rioja is a blend of old and new, tradition and innovation, power and elegance. Whether you’re looking for a wallet-friendly red or a cellar-worthy bottle, there’s a Rioja for every mood. So grab a glass, take a sip, and enjoy the ride.

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