Rioja, a revered wine region in northern Spain, is renowned for producing some of the country’s finest wines. The region, divided into three subzones – Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental – enjoys a continental climate with Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, fostering diverse terroirs. Tempranillo, the primary grape, thrives alongside Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo. Rioja’s winemaking tradition, marked by oak aging, contributes to the wines’ complexity. Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva classifications denote aging levels. Rioja wines exhibit a spectrum from vibrant joven styles to rich, well-aged masterpieces, balancing fruit, oak, and earthy nuances. Wineries, many family-owned, dot the picturesque landscape, creating a tapestry of exceptional reds and whites that exemplify Rioja’s legacy as a premier wine-producing region.
