Rioja:
Rioja is the most famous of the Spanish appellations and was also the first to obtain DO status in 1925. Its viticultural history is much older, with the first legislation governing its production dating back to the 17th century. Today, Rioja still sets the standard and continues to offer sublime Gran Reservas aged for five years, while producing mostly fruity wines to drink young.
Where is it located?
Located in the province of the same name, the appellation area extends into neighbouring Navarre and the Basque Country. It is a large appellation divided into three sub-regions. To the northwest, on the north bank of the Ebro, Rioja Alavesa (or Basque) is the coolest part of Rioja. Rioja Alta faces it, on the right bank of the river, west of the town of Logroño. Rioja Baja, to the east, is the largest and warmest part of the appellation.
A little bit of history?
This historic appellation has evolved considerably since the end of the 19th century, when Bordeaux merchants crossed the Pyrenees and explored the Ebro valley to obtain supplies of wines to make up for the harvest shortfall caused by phylloxera. The links thus forged between the two regions profoundly transformed Rioja's viticulture, but without sacrificing the local grape varieties, including Tempranillo, the emblematic variety of this vineyard.
What are the grape varieties used for red wine?
Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan), Cabernet Sauvignon (on experimental basis).
SPANISH RED WINES
Shall we taste?
Appearance: The colour is pale copper red for the gran reservas, with all shades of red and purple for the other styles.
Nose: The less time spent maturing, the more intense the fruity notes, with a wide range of red and black fruits, floral notes (violet), herbs or spices. The Gran Reservas offer characteristic nuances of leather, fur, orange peel or jam, with a great sense of freshness.
Palate: Lively and fruity for the 100% Tempranillo Joven from the Alavesa region, offering a powerful but smooth syle in the Reservas and Gran Reservas of Rioja Alavesa or Baja. Between the two, and a little apart, the modern Crianzas are fleshy and fruity wines.
Serving temperature: 16°C
Ageing potential: 1 to 5 years (Joven), 2 to 10 years (Crianza), 3 to 20 years (Reserva), 5 to 30 years (Gran Reserva)
Food and wine pairing: All meat, poultry and game dishes.
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