Spain's Greatest Wine Region: Rioja

Nothing says Spain in a glass more than a glass of fruity and spicy Rioja red wine.  Rioja is Spain’s most famous and historic wine region and known for producing world class, age-worthy red wines from blends of Tempranillo, Graciano and Grenache grapes with Tempranillo taking the leading role. 

85% of Rioja's wine production is red, but Rioja also produces fresh-tasting white wines as well, primarily from the Viura grape, known as Maccabeo in other parts of Spain.  As delicious as Rioja white wine can be, their red wines are capable of greatness in the cellar, and at tableside, the finest can stand aside giants like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Hermitage, Barolo and Chianti Classico.

La Rioja is located about 3.5 hours north of Madrid in a valley surrounded by mountains to the north and south.  The region is protected from heavy rains and extreme heat and benefits from both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences.   This unique climate, along with a rich diversity of soils, creates bold wines with great structure, depth and complexity.  

What is also unique about Rioja wines is that they benefit from having a foot in both new world and Old World styles.  They typically have the ripe fruitiness of new world wines and then the earthiness, acidity and tannins of Old World wines.  That makes them great for either drinking now, when they are released or cellaring to enjoy years later.

VIEW OUR SELECTION OF RED & WHITE WINES FROM RIOJA