Buy wines from Rioja
When you think of red wines from Spain, you think of La Rioja, Spain's most famous and prestigious wine region. Rioja is a well-known Spanish red wine that bears the region's name. This wine region became popular when phylloxera struck Bordeaux, severely damaging harvests. Consequently, many winegrowers emigrated to Spain, Rioja to be precise, at the end of the 19th century, where they built new lives. As an alternative, Rioja wines became enormously popular, and thankfully, they have maintained this popularity.
When you think of red wines from Spain, you think of La Rioja, Spain's most famous and prestigious wine region.
Read moreRioja
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Alvaro Palacios Placet Valtomelleso
Spain, 2023,
Viura
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Buy wines from Rioja
When you think of red wines from Spain, you think of La Rioja, Spain's most famous and prestigious wine region. Rioja is a well-known Spanish red wine that bears the region's name. This wine region became popular when phylloxera struck Bordeaux, severely damaging harvests. Consequently, many winegrowers emigrated to Spain, Rioja to be precise, at the end of the 19th century, where they built new lives. As an alternative, Rioja wines became enormously popular, and thankfully, they have maintained this popularity.
The three regions of La Rioja
In northern Spain, La Rioja consists of three regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavesa. The Rioja Alta is situated at a slightly higher elevation than the others. Its cool climate allows it to produce primarily lighter wines. Rioja Alta is surrounded by mountains, blocking the cold winds from the sea, which cause temperatures to rise in the region. Rioja Baja is the warmest region and lies the furthest south, resulting in the most robust wines.Tempranillo; the King of Spain
In Rioja, the Tempranillo grape takes center stage. It's also known as the King of Spain. This grape thrives in warmth and ripens exceptionally well in this sunny region. Its soft characteristics can add depth to a wine. Tempranillo boasts smooth tannins and low acidity, not to mention its beautiful fruity aromas. Rioja wines are largely made from Tempranillo grapes. These are complemented by other grape varieties like Grenache and Verdejo. These grapes also thrive in the sunny, dry climate. Garnache gives Rioja more body, resulting in a wonderful variety of quality wines. A perfectly balanced example of a Tempranillo Rioja wine is the El Coto de Rioja 875m. This wine is produced from the highest-altitude vineyard in Rioja. It's a wine with intense flavors and a beautiful freshness.The maturation process of Rioja wines
Rioja wines go through various stages of aging. This is an important process that can give Rioja wines a specific classification. These are legally mandated in Spain, and a wine can only be designated a specific designation if it has actually undergone the process. These classifications include Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Grand Reserva. Joven designates a young wine that has either had short or no oak aging. If Crianza is indicated on the bottle, it means the wine has aged for at least two years. Reserva is aged for at least 12 months in oak and then for a further 24 months in bottle. The highest classification a Rioja can receive is Grand Reserva. Only the very best grapes are used for this process. The wine is aged for at least 24 months in oak and then for another three years in bottle. Therefore, it can take at least five years before this wine is available.The white pearl of Rioja
But white wine lovers can also find plenty to enjoy in northern Spain. The Viura grape is often used for these white wines. This is the local variant of the Macabeo. It's a refreshing grape variety that ripens briefly. The Ramon Bilbao winery has released a beautiful white wine based on this grape. The Monte Llano Viura Rioja is a fresh and fruity white wine that is perfectly balanced.Buy wines from Rioja
When you think of red wines from Spain, you think of La Rioja, Spain's most famous and prestigious wine region. Rioja is a well-known Spanish red wine that bears the region's name. This wine region became popular when phylloxera struck Bordeaux, severely damaging harvests. Consequently, many winegrowers emigrated to Spain, Rioja to be precise, at the end of the 19th century, where they built new lives. As an alternative, Rioja wines became enormously popular, and thankfully, they have maintained this popularity.
The three regions of La Rioja
In northern Spain, La Rioja consists of three regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavesa. The Rioja Alta is situated at a slightly higher elevation than the others. Its cool climate allows it to produce primarily lighter wines. Rioja Alta is surrounded by mountains, blocking the cold winds from the sea, which cause temperatures to rise in the region. Rioja Baja is the warmest region and lies the furthest south, resulting in the most robust wines.Tempranillo; the King of Spain
In Rioja, the Tempranillo grape takes center stage. It's also known as the King of Spain. This grape thrives in warmth and ripens exceptionally well in this sunny region. Its soft characteristics can add depth to a wine. Tempranillo boasts smooth tannins and low acidity, not to mention its beautiful fruity aromas. Rioja wines are largely made from Tempranillo grapes. These are complemented by other grape varieties like Grenache and Verdejo. These grapes also thrive in the sunny, dry climate. Garnache gives Rioja more body, resulting in a wonderful variety of quality wines. A perfectly balanced example of a Tempranillo Rioja wine is the El Coto de Rioja 875m. This wine is produced from the highest-altitude vineyard in Rioja. It's a wine with intense flavors and a beautiful freshness.The maturation process of Rioja wines
Rioja wines go through various stages of aging. This is an important process that can give Rioja wines a specific classification. These are legally mandated in Spain, and a wine can only be designated a specific designation if it has actually undergone the process. These classifications include Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Grand Reserva. Joven designates a young wine that has either had short or no oak aging. If Crianza is indicated on the bottle, it means the wine has aged for at least two years. Reserva is aged for at least 12 months in oak and then for a further 24 months in bottle. The highest classification a Rioja can receive is Grand Reserva. Only the very best grapes are used for this process. The wine is aged for at least 24 months in oak and then for another three years in bottle. Therefore, it can take at least five years before this wine is available.The white pearl of Rioja
But white wine lovers can also find plenty to enjoy in northern Spain. The Viura grape is often used for these white wines. This is the local variant of the Macabeo. It's a refreshing grape variety that ripens briefly. The Ramon Bilbao winery has released a beautiful white wine based on this grape. The Monte Llano Viura Rioja is a fresh and fruity white wine that is perfectly balanced.Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between Rioja Alta, Alavesa and Oriental?
Alta and Alavesa are cooler and higher with plenty of lime in the soil, which gives finesse, while Oriental is warmer and produces fuller-ripening fruit.
Can you also find white Rioja at Perfecte Wijn?
Yes, at Perfecte Wijn you will find, in addition to red Rioja, also white styles based on Viura, ranging from fresh and fruity to subtly wood-matured.
