The Best Wines of La Rioja: Guide to the Appellations of Origin and their Varieties

La Rioja is undoubtedly one of the most famous and prestigious wine regions in Spain. With centuries of winemaking tradition, this region has managed to position itself as a world reference, not only for the quality of its wines, but also for the diversity of styles and flavors it offers. 

Denominations of Origin of La Rioja

• Rioja Alta: known for its cooler climate and soils rich in iron and clay. Some of the most emblematic wines of the region are produced here, ideal for barrel aging.
• Rioja Baja: has a warmer climate, which allows the grapes to ripen earlier. Its alluvial and clay soils favor the production of fruitier and softer wines.
• Rioja Alavesa: Located in the Basque Country, this subzone is recognized for its special microclimate and its calcareous and clay soils. The wines tend to be fresh and elegant, with higher acidity and a more complex aromatic profile.

Although Tempranillo is the most representative variety of La Rioja, the region is home to diverse grapes that allow for a wide variety of styles and flavors in its wines. The Garnacha grape stands out for its fruity flavor, the Mazuelo grape is the most widely used in aged wines and the Graciano grape is the most popular. 

In La Rioja, the quality of wines is closely linked to aging time. The terms Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva are indicative of the maturation of the wine and reflect important differences in its flavor profile. Although Rioja is best known for its red wines, the region also produces excellent white and rosé wines.

Rioja is a wine region full of history and tradition, where the diversity of its Denominations of Origin and grape varieties makes it possible to create a wide range of wines, from the freshest and fruitiest to the most complex and long-aged. Each bottle of Rioja wine tells a story of the land, the climate and the efforts of the winegrowers.