Rioja, A Personal Insight

I have been privileged enough to have visited the Rioja region in North Central Spain several times during my career in the wine trade. It always fills me full of joy when I am about to enter the area – it is unique and slightly magical.

120 miles south east of Bilbao lies Logroño, the capital of Rioja. As you are entering the region you get a sense of awe at the mountain range of Rioja Alta in the west. An excitement and anticipation of the microclimate that distinguishes this area of Spain from others.

There are generations of traditional winemakers here still making top quality wines and more recently, young developing innovative and some pioneering winemakers experimenting with new techniques in the winery and vineyards. This gives a great depth and range of wine styles to choose from.

When you visit Rioja, you learn about the hierarchical structure of their wine styles and ageing, put in place by law since 1926. Joven is the young Rioja with no oak ageing; Crianza must have a minimum of 1 year in oak and 1 year in bottle; Reserva a minimum of 1 year in oak and 2 years in bottle; Gran Reserva is only made in certain years with a minimum 2 years in oak and 3 years in bottle. These are minimum requirements, and most Rioja houses will not release their aged wines for several years more than what the law stipulates. House styles are important to establish and maintain and many make huge annual investments in technology and the maturation process, hence the high price you sometimes pay.

Tempranillo is the dominant red grape here, but Garnacha also thrives especially in the Rioja Baja region to the south and east. White Rioja has really become popular recently especially here in the UK. Traditionally made with Viura but more recently a high proportion of Verdejo is being added by some winemakers to give a zingy freshness and more fruit appeal.

But when you go to Logroño you have fun as well as learning about wine. Your trip is not complete without going on the famous 'Logroño Tapas Run' – an evening you will never forget. Enjoying different tapas made as a speciality in every cafe and bar with a glass of different Rioja with each to match – a wonderful experience and social evening whilst learning about the local cuisine at the same time! Have fun experimenting with different Rioja styles and Rioja houses till you find the right one for your personal taste.

Click here to view our Spanish range.