November is Rioja month at Cellar Door Wines

Nestled in northern-central Spain, Rioja is one of the most celebrated wine regions in the world. The region is particularly known for producing wines made from the Tempranillo grape, which forms the backbone of its reds, though other varieties such as Garnacha and Graciano play a supporting role. White Rioja or Rioja Blanco is not as well known, but widely made all over the region from grape varieties Viura, Garnacha Blanco and Malvasia, some of which have great potential to age as well as their red counterparts.

Understanding Rioja’s Wine Classifications

Rioja wines are classified based on how long they are aged, and each type has its own distinct flavour profile:

1. Joven (or "young"): These wines are all about freshness. They’re designed to be enjoyed while still fruity and vibrant, with no mandatory oak ageing. If you’re looking for an easy-drinking wine that’s light and straightforward, Joven is a great option.
2. Crianza: Aged for a minimum of two years, with at least one year in oak barrels, Crianza wines offer a nice balance between fruit and oak. They’re approachable, with a bit more complexity than Joven, but still great for everyday drinking. If you’re a white wine fan, Crianza whites require only six months of barrel ageing, making them smooth yet lively.
3. Reserva: With a minimum of three years of ageing (including one in oak), Reservas are a step up in terms of quality. These wines are made from higher-quality grapes, which gives them more depth and structure. They also have the potential to age further, developing more nuanced flavours over time.
4. Gran Reserva: The pinnacle of Rioja winemaking, Gran Reserva wines are aged for at least five years, with two years in oak and three years in the bottle. By the time you pick up a bottle of Gran Reserva, it’s often already 10 years old or more. These wines are complex, with firm tannins and layers of flavour that continue to evolve over time.

Victoria at Eterea Kripan winery

Rioja’s Sub-Regions and Their Unique Styles

The Rioja region is divided into three distinct sub-regions, each producing wines with different characteristics based on their climate and geography:

• Rioja Oriental (formerly Baja): This area has warmer temperatures, resulting in riper, fruitier wines that are often ready to drink young. If you prefer bold, rich flavours without the need to wait, wines from Rioja Oriental are a fantastic choice.
• Rioja Alta: Thanks to its cooler climate, Rioja Alta produces more elegant, structured wines. These wines tend to have higher acidity and tannins, making them perfect for ageing. Over time, they develop a silky texture and refined flavour.
• Rioja Alavesa: Similar to Rioja Alta, the wines from Rioja Alavesa are known for their high tannin and acidity, which gives them great ageing potential. They are often bold, with a balance between fruit and earthiness that makes them incredibly food-friendly.

Wine tasting at Bodegas Muriel and Ollauri

A Recent Journey Through Rioja Alta

Victoria from Cellar Door Wines has recently visited several top wineries in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, including Bodegas Muriel, Bodegas Ollauri, Eterea Kripan, and Bodega Astobiza. The trip was a reminder of just how special the wines from this region are—silky, refined, and with a depth that comes from both the terroir and the winemakers’ expertise.

Bodegas Muriel winery

Perfect Pairings for Rioja Wines

One of the best things about Rioja wines is how well they pair with food. Here are a few pairing suggestions to make the most of your bottle:

• Wines from Rioja Alta and Alavesa: These wines have the structure to stand up to hearty dishes, especially those with tomatoes and rich meats like pork or lamb. Think slow-cooked stews or grilled meats with a tomato-based sauce.
• Wines from Rioja Oriental: Their fruit-forward, richer style makes them a great match for spicy dishes. Try pairing them with bold, flavourful foods that can handle the wine’s intensity.
• Older Rioja Wines (Reserva and Gran Reserva): As these wines age, they develop more complexity and are best enjoyed with aged cheeses. A hard, nutty cheese like Manchego is a classic pairing that enhances the wine’s depth of flavour.

wine and food pairing at Eterea Kripan

The Tapas Tradition

No trip to Spain, especially Rioja, would be complete without indulging in tapas. When we were there, we spent an unforgettable evening hopping between six different pubs, each offering its own selection of small plates and, of course, glasses of Rioja wine. From simple bites like jamón and cheese to more elaborate dishes, every plate seemed to enhance the wine, and every wine made the food taste better!

Tapas evening in Rioja, Spain