What kind of wine is Rioja?

Tempranillo, a red wine grape that’s indigenous to Spain, is the dominant grape in Rioja. Rioja wines are split into four classification levels: Genérico, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva. Wines from Rioja can be medium to full-bodied, with high tannins and rich flavors of dark berries, plum, tobacco, and herb.

Is Rioja a wine or a region?

Rioja is a wine region in North Central Spain, 120 Miles south of Bilbao. There are 63,593 hectares of vineyards divided between three provinces on the Upper Ebro – La Rioja (43,885 ha), Alava (12,934 ha) and Navarre (6,774 ha).

Which is stronger Malbec or Shiraz?

Malbec also tends to come in a little higher on the alcohol level than Shiraz – but this varies. Some new world Shiraz such as Australian Shiraz can contain up to 16% alcohol, which is very strong for a red wine. Flavor-wise, Shiraz is a bit more complex than Malbec, with its smokey, pepper-like finish on the palate.

What are the best years for Rioja?

Many estates are seeing increased demand for wines from vintages classified as ‘excellent’ by the consejo, the most recent of which being the 2011, 2010, 2005, 2004 and 2001 vintages. Only 14 vintages since 1925 have been ranked as ‘excellent’, so their rarity adds to the appeal.

Are Rioja and Tempranillo the same?

Tempranillo, has been known as the backbone of Spain’s most noble wine region, Rioja, for many generations. Often blended with local grapes Garnacha (Grenache) and Mazuela (Carignan), Rioja reds have been Spain’s signature wine for almost two hundred years.

When did Rioja Baja wine change its name?

Known previously as Rioja Baja (i.e. lower in altitude), the name changed in 2018. Some producers in the region were keen to avoid any possible inference of quality – especially in comparison to Rioja Alta.

What kind of wine is in Rioja Oriental?

Rioja Baja Wine Rioja Orientale (Eastern Rioja) is a sub-region of the Rioja wine region in northern Spain. Known previously as Rioja Baja (i.e. lower in altitude), the name changed in 2018. Some producers in the region were keen to avoid any possible inference of quality – especially in comparison to Rioja Alta.

Where are the vineyards in Rioja Alta located?

The Oja (and Tirón) rivers connect to the Ebro at the hill city of Haro. The vineyards in the Oja/Tirón watershed are known as the highest elevation vineyards in Rioja Alta and are sometimes referred to as “Alta Alta.”

Where are the Seven Valleys of the Rioja wine region?

La Rioja is in the Ebro River Valley and its 7 small tributaries create the valleys of Rioja. In ancient times, the tributaries were more like rivers, but as the climate has changed, these rivers have become small streams that in some cases nearly dry up by harvest.