Rioja is renowned for balanced Tempranillo-based reds, from fruit-forward wines to long-aged examples combining red fruit, spice, leather and polished tannin.
Location
Region
Supra-regional
Protected status
Protection
DOP · DOCa
Wine profile
Typical focus
Young red wines, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva reds
Varieties
Notable grapes
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
Identity and character
What defines Rioja?
Rioja is renowned for balanced Tempranillo-based reds, from fruit-forward wines to long-aged examples combining red fruit, spice, leather and polished tannin.
Growing conditions
Climate
Production areas cross more than one autonomous community, so climate and soils vary by zone.
Place and soils
Landscape
A multi-regional protected name whose identity is defined by its specification rather than a single landscape.
Wine categories
Characteristic wine styles
- Young red wines
- Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva reds
- White and rosé wines
- Sparkling Rioja
Varieties
Notable grapes
- Tempranillo
- Garnacha
- Graciano
- Mazuelo
- Viura
At the table
Food pairing ideas
- Tapas
- Roast meats
- Rice dishes
- Cheese