La Rioja wine region

Rioja: Spain's Premier Wine Region

Nestled in northern Spain along the Ebro River, Rioja (pronounced rio-ha) boasts a rich history and prestige as the country's most celebrated wine region. The region itself, La Rioja, is actually quite small, but its vineyards stretch across 54,000 hectares, encompassing parts of three different communities: La Rioja, Basque Country, and Navarre.

Grapes of Rioja

Tempranillo reigns supreme in Rioja, responsible for the region's characteristically bold and structured red wines. But Rioja isn't a one-grape show. Other grapes you'll find include:

• Garnacha (Grenache): Known for its floral and fruity notes, Garnacha adds complexity and perfume to Rioja blends.

• Mazuelo: A lesser-known grape, Mazuelo contributes acidity and earthiness to Rioja wines.

• Graciano: Another minor player, Graciano offers spicy and peppery characteristics.

For white Rioja, Viura (Macabeo) is the leading grape, offering refreshing citrusy flavors.

Main Wineries of Rioja

With over 500 wineries in Rioja, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Here are a few of the most renowned producers:

• Bodegas Rioja Alta: A historic winery established in 1895, known for its exceptional aged reservas and gran reservas.

• Marqués de Murrieta: Another prestigious producer, Marques de Murrieta is famous for its elegant and long-lived wines.

• Lopez de Heredia: Founded in 1877, Lopez de Heredia crafts traditionally styled Riojas known for their aging potential.

• Bodegas Muga: This family-owned winery produces a range of high-quality Riojas, from young and vibrant to aged and complex.

• Bodegas Roda: A modern winery established in 1985, Bodegas Roda is known for its innovative approach to Rioja winemaking.

This is just a small sampling of the many excellent wineries in Rioja. Exploring the region's diverse offerings is a delightful way to discover the unique character of Rioja wines.