Rioja

Rioja: Rioja wines at Ritschard Wines - for every taste, from classic to modern

History of the Rioja region

The Rioja region is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Spain and looks back on a history that goes back to Roman times. Testimonies to this long tradition are the stone-carved fermentation tanks, which still bear witness to wine production in those days.

However, the monasteries provided a significant boost for viticulture in La Rioja, as they did in many other parts of Europe, playing a crucial role in the further development of viticulture. The Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela, which passes through La Rioja, also contributed to the spread of wine. As early as the 16th century, Rioja winemakers began branding their wine barrels with a uniform brand to promote the growing popularity of their wines. From 1560, this mark was a seal of quality, and from 1650, written quality controls were introduced to ensure a consistently high level of wine.

The heyday of the Rioja wineries began in the second half of the 19th century. Winemakers who had learned their trade in Bordeaux brought their knowledge to Rioja and founded new bodegas. When phylloxera destroyed large parts of the French vineyards at the end of the 19th century, many French winemakers came to Rioja and enriched the region with their expertise. By grafting onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock early on, many vineyards in Rioja were saved from the same fate.

Geography and terroir

The wine region of Rioja, one of the most important wine-growing areas in Europe, owes its name to the Rio Oja, a tributary of the Rio Tirón. But it is the Ebro that has a decisive influence on the region. Along its banks, vineyards extend over some 60,000 hectares, with soils of white limestone and reddish-grey clay, stretching over a length of 100 kilometres and up to 40 kilometres inland.

The Rioja region is situated in the north of Spain, mainly in the province of La Rioja, and extends on both sides of the river Ebro across the autonomous communities of La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre. Rioja is famous for its special geography and unique climate, which is divided into three subzones: Rioja Alta, which is located in the upper Ebro basin, Rioja Alavesa, which belongs to the Basque province of Álava, and Rioja Baja in the lower Ebro basin. Each of these subzones has its own climatic and geological conditions, which significantly influence the character and quality of the wines. Rioja Alavesa is often described as a unique piece of land with a diverse climate that offers optimal conditions for viticulture.

In the western part of the region, around the town of Haro, about 500 mm of precipitation falls annually, ensuring a good water supply. Further downstream, where only about 300 mm of precipitation falls annually, winegrowers use the water from the Ebro River to irrigate the vineyards, ensuring the vines receive an optimal supply.

Rioja Alta

The Rioja Alta, the cultural and economic centre of the Rioja, is the subzone that lies entirely within the province of La Rioja and is most influenced by the Atlantic climate. The town of Haro, often referred to as the secret capital of Rioja, is located in the heart of this region. Many renowned, traditional wineries have settled here because a train station was opened at the end of the 19th century, which made it possible to export the region's wine all over the world.

The vineyards of Rioja Alta are located at higher, cooler altitudes than the other subzones. Alluvial and sedimentary soils dominate in the plains, while ferruginous calcareous marl with a clay and loam covering is found in the hills. Summers are short and hot, followed by a long, moderately warm and largely dry autumn, while winters are cold.

As in the other subzones of Rioja, Tempranillo is the predominant grape variety here. However, in the whole of Rioja, only about 60% of the vineyards are planted with this important variety. The remaining 40% is mainly divided between the red varieties Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena or Carignan), Graciano and Garnacha, as well as some white grape varieties. In Rioja Alta, these grape varieties produce thicker-skinned grapes with a higher content of phenols, tannins and acids, which results in longer wine-ageing periods. Wines from Rioja Alta are considered the best in the entire region, as they are known for their structure, depth and ageing potential.

Rioja Alavesa

The smaller Rioja Alavesa, a picturesque plateau, lies north of the Ebro and is completely part of the Basque Country. Although the climate of Rioja Alavesa is similar to that of Rioja Alta, it is characterised by a slightly stronger Mediterranean influence, which tends to result in warmer conditions. The vineyards in this region are located at higher altitudes, where the soils consist of a mixture of clay and limestone. The Tempranillo variety thrives here, producing lighter, fruitier wines with a delicate spiciness. These wines are often enjoyed young as Joven or aged as Crianza and Reserva.

Rioja Baja

The Rioja Baja, known for its fruity opulence along the banks of the Ebro, extends east of the provincial capital Logroño across the Rioja and neighbouring Navarra. This region already has a distinctly Mediterranean climate, which is warmer and drier than in the other subzones of La Rioja. The vineyards are predominantly characterised by ferrous clay, which particularly benefits the Garnacha Tinta grape variety, which is why it is more common here than the Tempranillo. The resulting wines are softer, fuller and have a higher alcohol content. In the Rioja Baja, wines are also often aged as rosé. Wines from this region are considered simpler and are often enjoyed young.

Grape varieties and wines in La Rioja

The wines from the Rioja region, whether white, rosé or red, are known worldwide for their fruity aromas, fine acidity and full-bodied flavour. However, Rioja is particularly famous for its red wines, with the Tempranillo grape variety dominating most of the vineyards. More than 20,000 winemakers work in this region, producing about 75% red wine, 15% rosé and 10% white wine. In addition to Tempranillo, the Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo grape varieties are also grown in Rioja.

Praised by renowned wine critics such as James Suckling and Robert Parker, Rioja reds are known for their complexity and depth, with aromas of cherry, plum and nuts. The main red grape varieties are Tempranillo (61% of the area under cultivation), Garnacha (18%), Mazuelo (3.5%) and Graciano (0.7%), while the white grape varieties Viura (15%), Malvasia (0.25%) and Garnacha Blanca (0.09%) dominate white wine production.

Classic Rioja wines are either made from pure Tempranillo grapes or from a blend of Tempranillo as the main variety, often complemented by Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. A few winemakers also produce single-varietal wines from Garnacha, Mazuelo (also known as Carignan) and Graciano, with Graciano wines being considered a particular speciality. The white wines from Rioja, which are mainly made from Viura, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca, are characterised by their freshness and elegance. In addition, there are some bodegas in the Rioja region that produce Spanish sparkling wine under the DO (Denominación de Origen) Cava.

The most famous grape varieties of the Rioja wine region

Tempranillo

Tempranillo is not only the preferred grape variety for Rioja reds, but also the most important and most frequently grown variety in the region. The fact that there are over eighty different names for this grape variety underlines its long history and widespread popularity. Tempranillo was first mentioned in a document as early as the 13th century.

The name ‘Tempranillo’ is derived from the Spanish word ‘temprano’, which means ‘early’ – an indication that this grape variety ripens early. Tempranillo is as important in Spain as Cabernet Sauvignon is in France, and the vines produce high yields. The wines are known for their intense colour and soft tannins, with medium acidity. Tempranillo wines delight with a variety of aromas, ranging from strawberries to spices, leather and tobacco.

Graciano

Graciano is a medium-late ripening grape variety known for its low yield, but impressive aging potential. In the 19th century, the variety had almost completely disappeared due to phylloxera, but with the elevation of Rioja to DOCa, Graciano also experienced a revival. The variety produces deep red wines with pronounced acidity and strong tannins. The aromas of these wines combine interesting notes of cherry and pepper, giving them a special complexity.

Garnacha

Garnacha, also known by many other names, is a grape variety that is grown worldwide. It is known for its vigorous growth and high alcohol content. To control these characteristics, winemakers tend to prune the vines early and harvest the grapes early as well. Although the colour of the grapes can vary greatly, Garnacha usually produces light-coloured Rioja wines. Nevertheless, these wines are full-bodied and juicy, with fruity aromas of strawberries, black cherries and red currants.

Mazuelo

Wines made from the Mazuelo grape are extremely rare in Spain, as the stocks of this grape variety are not very large. Mazuelo wines are characterised by a deep dark colour, almost black, but the alcohol content remains rather low. Mazuelo has a powerful flavour, and in warm years with long ripening periods it develops particularly intense characteristics. The high tannin content and aromas of blackberries, earth and liquorice are remarkable and make this wine special.

Quality levels & degrees of maturity of Rioja wines

After the primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, wooden barrels or concrete tanks, the higher-quality red wine that is not released on the market as a young wine (vino joven or vino de año) is aged further in the bodega. This maturation takes place in barrels made of American or French oak, the so-called barricas or barriques, and later in bottles. The length of time it spends maturing varies depending on the quality level of the wine, which is why these wines are categorised as Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva. The Consejo Regulador label on the back of the bottle indicates the level of maturity and vintage of many Rioja wines, which helps buyers to find their feet.

The oak casks used in the Rioja region have a volume of 225 litres and can be used for around five years before they lose their flavour-imparting properties. These casks are crucial for developing the complex aromas that make many Rioja wines into real classics.

The Rioja region has its own quality level, known as Rioja DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada). This classification ensures that the wines meet certain criteria in terms of quality and origin. Wineries that produce wines under this designation must adhere to strict standards to guarantee wines of outstanding quality.

Maturation level Joven:

A young wine that is sold the year after the harvest. The wine is often aged in stainless steel. If it is aged in wooden barrels, then for a maximum of six months.

Maturation level Crianza:

A Crianza red wine must be at least 2 years old and have been aged in barrels for at least 12 months, as well as having been aged in bottles for 12 to 18 months. A Crianza white wine must also have been aged for at least 2 years, with at least 6 months in the barrel and 12 to 18 months in the bottle.

Reserva level:

A Rioja Reserva red wine must be aged for at least one year in oak barrels and at least two years in the bottle. A Rioja Reserva white wine must be aged for at least six months in wooden barrels and at least 18 months in the bottle.

Maturity level Gran Reserva:

A Rioja Gran Reserva red wine is at least five years old. It has been aged in oak barrels for at least two years and in bottles for at least three years. A Rioja Gran Reserva white wine is at least four years old, of which it must have been aged in oak barrels for at least six months.

Modern or traditional: the style of Rioja wines

Rioja wines can be vinified in both the traditional and modern styles. Although the modern style dominates today, there are still winemakers in the region who adhere to the classic methods. This contrast between tradition and modernity makes Rioja a particularly exciting wine-growing region in Spain.

The traditional Rioja style

In recent years, the traditional style has become more popular in Rioja again, after it had almost been forgotten at the end of the last century. Only a few winemakers still master this classic method. Traditional Rioja wines are aged in used American oak barrels and are characterised by their bright red colour, fruity aromas and a fine, elegant body. These wines are known for their smooth tannins and woody to spicy notes, which make them so unique.

The modern Rioja style

The modern style in Rioja was largely shaped by Marqués de Riscal, who created the region's first modern red wine in 1986. In doing so, he responded to new trends in viticulture and introduced later harvest times to obtain riper grapes. These wines mature in new French oak barrels in a relatively short time and are characterised by a full body, high tannin structure and intense colouring, often complemented by woody aromas and vanilla notes.

Barrique ageing as a common feature of both Rioja styles

A key feature of both styles is the ageing in oak barrels. In Spain, the terms barrique and Rioja are almost inextricably linked. The region has always been known for vintages that mature for a particularly long time in small wooden barrels. This wood-aged character gives Rioja wines their worldwide recognition and makes them synonymous with quality and tradition.

Food pairings for Rioja wines

Rioja wines, whether red, white or rosé, offer an incredible variety of flavours and textures that make them ideal companions for a wide range of foods. Wines from the Rioja region go particularly well with Spanish specialities such as tapas and paella, where the choice of wine can perfectly complement the character of the dish.

The red wines of the Rioja region, often made from Tempranillo grapes, are known for their bold aromas of dark fruits, spices and often a hint of vanilla. These wines go extremely well with hearty meat dishes such as steak, lamb or even a rich roast beef. A classic Rioja Reserva, with its deep complexity and fine tannins, is the perfect choice for a grilled rack of lamb, where the spice of the wine enhances the flavours of the meat. The younger Rioja reds, which are often fresher and fruitier, are ideal with a juicy steak. The fruitiness and soft tannins of the wine harmonise wonderfully with the intensity of a perfectly grilled steak.

On the other hand, the white wines of the Rioja region, often made from Viura grapes, offer a light, refreshing acidity and subtle fruit aromas. These wines are the perfect accompaniment for fish and seafood dishes. A Rioja Blanco that has been aged in oak barrels is an excellent accompaniment to a seafood paella, as the creaminess of the wine accentuates the delicate flavours of the prawns and mussels.

A fresh, young Rioja white wine also goes extremely well with grilled fish, such as sea bream or sea bass. The lightness and freshness of the wine complement the fine, salty notes of the fish and ensure a well-rounded taste experience.

Not to be forgotten are the rosé wines from the Rioja region, which are perfect for warm summer days. These wines, often made from a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, are characterised by their vibrant fruitiness and refreshing acidity. They go perfectly with light dishes such as salads, sandwiches or a cold gazpacho. A refreshing Rioja Rosado is the ideal companion for a summer salad with goat's cheese and berries, where the fruitiness of the wine complements the sweetness of the berries and the creamy cheese wonderfully.

The versatility of Rioja wines makes it possible to find the right wine for almost any dish. Whether you are looking for full-bodied reds for meat dishes, refreshing white wines for fish and seafood, or fruity rosés for light summer dishes, Rioja offers the perfect wine for every occasion.

Order selected Rioja wines online

We offer a selection of Rioja wines that are imported directly from the region. Our wines are from different producers and different vintages. You can search specifically for Rioja wine dry and order it online. We also offer wines from other regions of Spain, such as Ribera del Duero and Jerez. Our wines are all of high quality and are delivered directly to your door.

Exceptional Winemaker: Bodega Barón de Ley

Bodega Barón de Ley was founded in 1985 by a group of respected Rioja winemakers. The company headquarters and wine cellars are located in a former Benedictine monastery in Imas, Mendavia. The bodega was unique in the Rioja Designation of Origin (DOP) region in its time, as it was modelled on the Bordeaux châteaux in France. Today, the renowned Barón de Ley Rioja wines are grown on around 90 hectares of vineyards.

The outstanding quality of Barón de Ley wines is based on several factors. The region where the vines grow is climatically one of the best wine-growing areas in Spain, offering optimal conditions for viticulture. The great age of the vines and the careful management of the vineyards contribute significantly to the quality of the wines. The grapes for the Baron de Ley wines are harvested exclusively by hand to ensure the best possible quality. The short transport distances between vineyard and wine cellar ensure that the grapes are processed fresh and intact. Strict selection before pressing guarantees that only the best grapes are used. The ageing process takes place in over 14,000 barrels made of American and French oak, which gives the wines their characteristic taste.

Rioja Reserva is probably the most famous wine from the Barón de Ley house. These wines have been the flagship of the bodega for years and never fail to impress with their aromas and finesse. ‘Reserva’ denotes a quality level at which the wine must mature for at least 24 months in barrique barrels, followed by a further maturation in the bottle. That is why Reserva wines are not released for sale until at least three years after the harvest. The wines from Barón de Ley are aged for an especially long time in barrels and in bottles to allow the full spectrum of aromas to unfold. This care in the production process is highly valued by connoisseurs and Rioja lovers and is a key reason for the bodega's success.

Frequently asked questions about Rioja wine

Where is the Rioja wine region?

Rioja is a wine-growing region in Spain with the status of Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa). It extends along both banks of the river Ebro and is located in the autonomous regions of La Rioja, the Basque Country and Navarre.

What is a Rioja wine?

Classic Rioja wine is red, dry and characterised by the spicy flavour of the Tempranillo grape. In addition, the Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo and Maturana Tinta grape varieties are also used for red Rioja wines.

Which grapes are used for Rioja?

Most Rioja reds are dominated by the Tempranillo grape, but rarely as the sole main grape variety. As a rule, it is a cuvée in which, in addition to Tempranillo, other red varieties such as Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha, as well as the authorised Maturana Parda and Maturana Tinta, are used.

Is Rioja heavy?

Rioja reds are as diverse as their winemakers. They can be young and mild, full-bodied and elegant, or aged and full-bodied. But what they all have in common are soft tannins and a fruity bouquet.

Is Rioja sweet?

A medium-sweet wine is characterised by a distinctly sweet taste, as it contains up to 45 g of residual sugar per litre and less alcohol than other wines. A large part of the natural sweetness of the grapes thus remains unfermented and is retained in the bottle.