What is Rioja?
Quick answer
Rioja is a Spanish wine from the region of the same name in northern Spain, along the Ebro river. It was Spain's first DOCa (qualified appellation), famous for elegant reds based on the Tempranillo grape, classified by ageing time: Joven, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva.
Detailed answer
Rioja is Spain's most internationally renowned wine region. Located in northern Spain along the Ebro river, it enjoys a climate influenced by both Atlantic and Mediterranean forces, sheltered from northern winds by the Cantabrian mountains.
The star grape is Tempranillo (roughly 75% of plantings), often blended with Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano. Whites, less well-known but rising fast, use Viura (Macabeo), Malvasía and Tempranillo Blanco.
Rioja's distinctive ageing classification system sets it apart. Joven (young) is bottled quickly, fruity and approachable. Crianza ages for at least 2 years including 1 in oak. Reserva requires a minimum of 3 years with 1 year in oak. Gran Reserva, made only in top vintages, demands 5 years of ageing including 2 in oak — these wines can cellar for 20 years or more.
The region divides into three sub-zones: Rioja Alta (higher altitude, Atlantic influence, elegant structured wines), Rioja Alavesa (clay-limestone soils, fine aromatic wines) and Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja, warmer climate, more generous wines).
Rioja was heavily influenced by Bordeaux: in the 19th century, Bordelais winemakers fleeing phylloxera brought oak-ageing techniques with them. Today, a new generation of producers explores more modern styles — shorter oak ageing, single-vineyard wines. Discover Spanish Rioja on expertvin.be.