Rioja

With a winemaking history dating back 2,000 years, Rioja is amongst the world’s most famous wine regions and the only one to have achieved the prestigious DOCa status in Spain, along with Priorat. Lying in the north-east of the country, it is protected by the Cantabrian Mountains and is divided into three regions: Rioja Baja, the warmest area to the east and Rioja Alta and Alavesa to the west. The latter two benefit from vineyards at higher elevation and cooler temperatures, producing some of the best wines. Traditionally, the reds are made with Tempranillo, Garnacha but recently local grapes Mazuelo and Graciano are seeing a revival. Many growers also produce whites from the Viura grape. Read more…