Say “Hola” to Spanish Rioja
So much history in one glass!
Spain has a long winemaking history, which gained international prominence in the early 2000s, rightly so! Spanish wines are rich, fruity, and vibrant. Because of the country’s warm climate, several kinds of grapes grow in Spain. Many varieties, such as Tempranillo and Albariño, are native to the region, and others – such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay – were brought over from other countries.
Spain produces several exceptional wines, which we could write a book on! Today, however, let’s focus on its famous Rioja wine. Red wine typically comes to mind when we think of Rioja, but white Riojas exist, too—they’re just a bit less common.
Rioja: Spain’s Top Wine Region and Most Famous Variety
Rioja is one of Spain’s most famous regions for winemaking and the birthplace of the same name's soft, deep, and fruity-flavored wine. Traditional red Rioja wine is made with a blend of grapes from three subregions of Rioja. Tempranillo is the most common grape used, but Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo grapes are also permitted in production.
White Riojas are made from white grapes and must be made with at least 51 percent Viura grapes. A blend of Malvasía de Rioja, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco, Turruntés de Rioja, Maturana Blanca, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Verdejo can be used in the remaining 49 percent.
Rioja Label Classifications
White or Red - there’s no right answer!
When shopping for a bottle of Rioja, white or red, you may notice that some bottles are labeled with Vina Joven, Crianza, Reserva, or Gran Reserva. These classifications are assigned based on which wines have been aged in oak barrels and for how long. Vina Joven denotes the youngest wines, and Gran Reserva identifies the oldest and finest Riojas.
Red
Red Rioja Flavor Profile: Red riojas are fruity and high in tannins. The wines include tomato, cherry, plum, dill, vanilla, and leather notes. Young red riojas taste the fruitiest and are great for serving a crowd, and older bottles own a more complex taste.
Red Rioja Food Pairing: Red Rioja is commonly served with roasted lamb and pairs well with high-fat meats. A young Rioja is a good match for tapas, especially ones featuring Iberico ham and chorizo.
White
White Rioja Flavor Profile: Young white Rioja is light with little body, and drinkers will notice its acidity and dryness. Young white Riojas taste fruity with strong notes of melon and lemon. Aged white Rioja is full-bodied and acidic and features a strong flavor profile of preserved fruits, pineapple, hazelnut, and whiskey.
White Rioja Food Pairing: Young white Riojas complement fresh, vibrant dishes like zippy salads, grilled fish, shellfish, and gazpacho. Aged white Riojas pair well with roasted, grilled, or stewed fish dishes, lobster, paella, serrano, asparagus, strong cheeses, and meats.
If you’re a wine drinker that appreciates the long tradition of Spanish Rioja, you will love knowing that Boston Winery sources our grapes from around the world and prepares them with hand-crafted techniques. Taste our award-winning wines when you reserve an hour-long tasting with us!
