The most important appellation in Spain, Rioja became the country's very first DO (designation of origin) in 1925. A few decades later, in 1991, it reached the highest point in the qualitative hierarchy of Spanish wines by deserving the DOC, which demonstrates a longer reputation and qualitative stability over time. And despite this remarkable aura, Rioja wines offer a range of styles that remain accessible. Something to delight the enthusiast in search of discoveries, whether for the cellar or for a weekday meal. 

Although Spain produces excellent white wines, it is best known for its reds and for good reason: this production represents 91% of the grape variety, dominated by Tempranillo. Rioja combines various types of soil and maritime influences, which gives this king grape the possibility of presenting itself in different profiles, or to feature other varieties such as Grenache Noir (Garnacha Tinta) and Carignan (Mazuelo), both of which are well acclimatized to these environmental variabilities.

Did you know? 

Wines bearing the "Reserva" label are aged in barrel and bottle for a minimum of three years, compared to five years for "Gran Reserva" wines.  

Rioja wines are classified into four categories, determined by minimum barrel and bottle aging requirements. Each category has its own certification to ensure authenticity and quality. The seal on the bottle testifies that each wine meets high quality standards certified by a regulatory organisation.

Cosecha

Little or no barrel aging, younger, fresh and fruity wines. 

Crianza

Minimum of one year of aging in barrel and bottle. 

Reserva

Minimum of 3 years of aging in barrel and bottle. More elegant tannins and complex flavours of fruit and spices. 

Gran Reserva

Wines produced only during exceptional vintages. Minimum aging of 5 years. 

Six magnificent Rioja wines to enjoy or cellar 

Bodegas Muriel Reserva Rioja

True to the tradition of Reserva wines of Rioja, this red has a complex bouquet of oak, sweet spices, dark fruits, vanilla and coconut aromas. The palate is balanced, elegant and retains a nice freshness. Perfect to share over

Baron de Ley Reserva Rioja

A beautifully typical Rioja with Mediterranean character. Fresh, balanced and with fine but compact tannins, this Rioja made mainly with Tempranillo seduces with its aromatic profile evoking floral notes, cedar and cherry. It is the product of a cellar in Mendavia, famous for its complex and intense wines.

Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva

What a great opportunity to discover the region’s wines already showing a few years of aging! Produced only during the best vintages, this Gran Reserva is an iconic wine known for its elegance and delicate tannins. It is expressed by notes of undergrowth and dried fruits. Already aged a few years, you can afford to drink it now or wait a several more.

Beronia Rioja Reserva  

This estate, perched on clay-limestone at 600-metres altitude, only purchases fruit within a 16-kilometre radius, in order to rigorously monitor fruit quality. Bodegas Beronia offers here a contemporary, well-structured, elegant and complex wine which pairs beautifully with both simple and elaborate dishes.

Moraza Rioja Alta

Typical of Rioja terroir wines where intervention is minimal, this cuvée is fresh and fruity. Exempt of wood aging, the crunchy fruit character is preserved as much as possible. From organic farming, this red signed Patricio Brongo for the Moraza family offers aromas of black cherry, raspberry and violet.

Bodegas Campillo Rioja Reserva

Bodegas Campillo is one of the rare estates in Rioja whose production is inspired by the French châteaux model. With its own vineyard located around the cellars, the bodega is managed by Ruth Rodriguez. Here she creates a cuvée revealing aromas of oak, sweet spices, black fruits and undergrowth. 

Enjoy your tasting and don’t hesitate to share your appreciation for these Rioja cuvées in the detailed info of the product page. Salud! 

 

In partnership: Rioja Wines