Rioja - The figurehead of Spain
Rioja is associated with Spanish, deep red, strong red wines, but what is behind it?
The Rioja wines come from the region of the same name in northern Spain. It is one of the most renowned growing areas in the country. The grape variety Tempranillo is usually used as the basis for the red wines. The typical wine from Rioja is red, dry and has a spicy Tempranillo taste.
The varieties Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo and Maturana Tinta are also used for red Rioja wines. For white wines from the Rioja region, the grape varieties Viura, Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Turruntés and Verdejo are processed. Apart from Tempranillo, varietal wines are rather rare in the Rioja region and are therefore considered specialties, including Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano.
The grape varieties used, the climatic conditions of the Rioja wine-growing region and the aging process in oak barrels make this possible special aroma of these wines. The older the Rioja wines are, the more their dry, velvety, balanced flavor notes emerge.
The varieties Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo and Maturana Tinta are also used for red Rioja wines. For white wines from the Rioja region, the grape varieties Viura, Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Turruntés and Verdejo are processed. Apart from Tempranillo, varietal wines are rather rare in the Rioja region and are therefore considered specialties, including Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano.
The grape varieties used, the climatic conditions of the Rioja wine-growing region and the aging process in oak barrels make this possible special aroma of these wines. The older the Rioja wines are, the more their dry, velvety, balanced flavor notes emerge.
It is therefore characteristic of many Rioja wines that they mature in barriques. This applies at least to the wines that are not sold directly as young wines. These are one to two years old, taste fresh and fruity and are marked "Joven" on the label. The older wines are divided into "Crianza", "Reserva" and "Gran Reserva" wines according to the classic Spanish quality system. They are stored in barriques for different lengths of time and then in the bottle for a certain amount of time. A red Gran Reserva matures for at least five years, of which two years in barriques and three years in the bottle.
There are also so-called Vinos de Autor, meaning author wines. These are limited edition wines, for which the best grapes from excellent vintages are used. The winemaker wants to use it to express his personal style.
We have selected a Rioja set for beginners in the price-performance HAMMER! Discover the diversity of Rioja
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