A Comprehensive Guide to Rioja Wine

Mar 26, 2025

Rioja wine is celebrated for its exceptional quality, age-worthy reds, and deep-rooted tradition in Spanish winemaking. This article serves as a comprehensive guide to La Rioja wine, covering everything from its origins and evolution to the aspects that make it so special.

Rioja Wine Region

The Rioja wine region (DOCa Rioja) has established itself as a producer of the most prestigious and globally recognized wines, especially the reds, but increasingly the white wines and rosés as well. Located in northern Spain, the Rioja appellation has an overall continental climate, but stands out for its geographical and climatic diversity, which contributes to the production of wines with unique characteristics. It has three subregions that you will see on wine labels when you buy Rioja wine: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly called Rioja Baja).

Importantly, if you look at the Rioja wine map, the denominación de origen (deonomination of origen) does not share the same boundaries as the autonomous community of La Rioja. The Rioja wine region extends into Pais Vasco and Navarra. That said, there is one governing body for the DOCa.

History of La Rioja Wine

The history of La Rioja wine is vast and rich, with roots stretching back to Roman times. The earliest evidence of viticulture in this region dates to the 2nd century BCE, when the Romans introduced vine cultivation and winemaking techniques. During the Middle Ages, monasteries became the main centers of wine production, refining vinification methods and promoting trade in this precious liquid.

The arrival of a railway in La Rioja provided easier access to national and international markets, boosting the wine industry in the 19th century. The phylloxera plague, which devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century, also affected La Rioja, but it led winegrowers to replant their vines with more resistant varieties and modernize their cultivation methods.

The recognition of La Rioja as a Denomination of Origin (DOC) in 1925 and as a Qualified Denomination of Origin (DOCa) in 1991 solidified its reputation and guaranteed the quality of its wines. Today, La Rioja is synonymous with winemaking excellence, blending tradition and modernity to produce exceptional wines.

Rioja Wine Age and Taste

The Rioja wine taste will be impacted by a variety of factors, including how the wine is aged. You will frequently see three levels.

Crianza: Released in their third year, at the earliest, these red wines have seen a minimum of one year in barrel and a few months in bottle. Forty percent of Rioja wines are crianzas.
Reserva: For red wines, these wines must be released after 36 months of ageing, including 12 months in barrels and six months in the bottle. Tertiary wine flavors develop, such as cigar box, duff, and dried fruits, alongside fresh fruit aromas.
Gran Reserva: These Rioja wines are usually produced from the best vintages and must be aged a minimum of 60 months before release. That includes 24 months in oak barrels and a minimum of 24 months in bottle (it used to be 36 months). Only two percent of Rioja wines are Gran Reservas, and they offer a full array of complexity featuring tertiary flavors.

Subregions of La Rioja: A Breakdown by Terroir

La Rioja is divided into three main wine-producing subzones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Each of these regions offers specific geographical and climatic conditions that influence the character of its wines.

Rioja Alta

Located in the western part of La Rioja, Rioja Alta is known for producing elegant and well-structured wines from diverse soil types. This subzone benefits from an Atlantic climate, with warm summers and cold winters, and clay-limestone soils that contribute to wines with balanced acidity and notable aging potential. Rioja Alta wines are appreciated for their aromatic complexity and finesse on the palate, with flavors that evolve beautifully over time. The Rioja wine price can be excellent for the wine quality.

Example: 2020 La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja, made from 100% tempranillo.

Rioja Alavesa

Situated in the northern part of La Rioja, Rioja Alavesa is famous for its fresh and fruity wines. The moderate continental climate and limestone soils of this subzone are ideal for producing young wines and crianzas with a pronounced fruit expression. The vineyards of Rioja Alavesa are planted on terraces and slopes, allowing for excellent sun exposure and optimal grape ripening. The wines from this region are known for their vibrancy, with red fruit notes and a freshness that makes them highly enjoyable to drink.

Example: 2020 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza offers incredible value at less than $20 per bottle. This Rioja wine was aged for 14 months in oak barricas, rated 93 points by Vinous.

Rioja Oriental

Located in the southeast of the region, Rioja Oriental is characterized by a warmer and drier climate, influenced by the Mediterranean. The soils in this subzone are primarily ferrous clay and alluvial, allowing for good drainage and excellent nutrient retention. The Oriental wines tend to be more robust and have a higher alcohol content, making them ideal for full-bodied red wines. These wines typically have an intense color and an aromatic profile that includes notes of black fruit, spices, and herbs.

Grape Varieties in La Rioja

The diversity of grape varieties cultivated in La Rioja is one of the key factors contributing to the complexity and quality of its wines. The most notable varieties include:

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is the most emblematic grape variety of La Rioja, occupying 75% of the area under vine. Known for its versatility and aging potential, this grape produces wines with flavors of red fruits, spices, and a hint of tobacco. Tempranillo wines are structured and balanced, with smooth tannins and refreshing acidity that allows them to age well in the bottle.

Example: 1964 Bilbainas S.A. Vina Pomal Reserva, one of the classics in Rioja.

Garnacha

Garnacha adds body and sweetness to Rioja wines, especially in Rioja Oriental. This variety is essential for producing rosé wines and robust reds. Garnacha wines are generally smooth and fruity, with notes of strawberry, cherry, and a spicy touch. This grape also contributes to the complexity and character of Rioja blends.

Graciano

Although less known, the Graciano grape is valued for its acidity and aroma. It is mainly used in blends to add complexity and longevity to wines. Graciano wines have a distinctive aromatic profile, with floral, spicy, and herbal notes. Their high acidity and firm tannins make them ideal for barrel and bottle aging.

Example: 2021 Graciano Rio Madre, sourced from Alfaro in Rioja Oriental, aged for six months in neutral French oak barrels.

It's not common to find a 100% Graciano Rioja wine, but Bottle Barn does have one available.

Mazuelo (Cariñena)

Mazuelo, also known as Cariñena, is another important variety in La Rioja. This grape adds color, acidity, and tannins, and is frequently used in wines meant for aging.

Viura (Macabeo)

Among white grapes, Viura is the most representative of La Rioja. It produces fresh and aromatic white wines, ideal for pairing with light dishes and seafood. Viura wines have vibrant acidity and notes of citrus fruits, apple, and white flowers. This variety is also used to produce sparkling wines and barrel-aged whites, which develop additional complexity and richness.

Example: 2022 Bodegas Muga Blanco, another superb value when you buy Rioja wine online.

Winemaking Techniques in La Rioja

Winemaking techniques in La Rioja have been refined over the centuries, combining traditional methods with modern innovations to create high-quality wines.

For the taste of modern Rioja, you can try wines from Artuke’s Arturo Miguel. He is “a quiet but influential leader of a new movement of young Spanish vignerons in Rioja.”

A good example of modern Rioja is the organically grown 2022 Artuke Finca de los Locos Tinto.

Fermentation and Maceration

Fermentation and maceration are crucial stages in winemaking. In La Rioja, these techniques are adjusted depending on the type of wine being produced, whether young, crianza, reserva, or gran reserva. Fermentation is generally carried out in stainless steel tanks, where natural or selected yeasts convert the sugars in the must into alcohol. Maceration, the contact of the must with the grape skins, varies in duration depending on the style of wine, contributing to its color, flavor, and structure.

Barrel Aging

Barrel aging is a distinctive practice of Rioja wines. Most red wines undergo a period of aging in 225-litre oak barrels, which imparts complex aromas and flavors while enhancing their structure and aging potential. The barrels used in La Rioja are typically made of American or French oak, each contributing unique characteristics to the wine. The time spent in barrels can range from a few months to several years, depending on the type of wine and the desired profile.

Final Thoughts on Rioja Wine

Rioja wine offers a captivating glimpse into Spain’s viticultural heritage, blending centuries-old traditions with innovative winemaking techniques. Whether it’s the elegance and complexity of a Gran Reserva or the fresh vibrancy of younger crianzas, Rioja consistently delivers wines with distinctive character and exceptional value. Exploring Rioja wines allows you to experience a diversity of styles, grape varieties, and terroirs, each reflecting the unique identity of this celebrated region. Next time you choose a Rioja wine bottle, savor not only the flavors in your glass but also the rich history and passion that make Rioja wine truly remarkable.

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