Rioja

Rioja is Spain's first Denominación de Origen Calificada, with a millennia-old history. Located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, it is a highly suitable area for viticulture, benefiting from the confluence of Atlantic and Mediterranean climates.
Much like Bordeaux, whose wines have strongly influenced the style of reds in this region, Rioja is among the most prestigious areas in the world for the production of long-aging wines.

The most widespread variety in the area is Tempranillo, although most wines from this denomination derive from a blend of different varieties: Garnacha, which adds body and robustness in more challenging vintages, and Graciano, which contributes aromas and structure.

Red wines are classified into four categories:

Rioja, the youngest, highlighting the fresh and fruity aromas of Tempranillo;
Rioja Crianza, aged for at least three years, with six months in barrel;
Rioja Reserva, aged for at least three years, with one year in barrel;
Rioja Gran Reserva, aged for at least five years, with two years in barrel and three in bottle.

Alongside the traditional reds, aged in French style barrels of oak, we find innovative whites made entirely from the Viura variety or the more recent Tempranillo Blanco, which enriches the wines with floral scents, tropical and citrus notes.