Rioja

Rioja, located south of the Cantabria mountains in north-central Spain, is the country’s best known and most historic wine region. The emphasis in Rioja is squarely on Tempranillo, although Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo (all red grapes) are also grown and frequently blended with Tempranillo. As for white wines, Viura (a.k.a Macabeo) yields a basic, crisp wine with apple and green melon characteristics. Rosé wines made from Tempranillo and/or Garnacha also play a significant role in Riojano winemaking. Rioja is divided into three subzones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja, with many of the region’s best wines hailing from Alta and Alavesa while the warmer, more southerly Baja region specializes more in Garnacha and darker, fuller-bodied Tempranillos. Today, Rioja produces many of Spain’s best wines as well as many good values. Wine Enthusiast’s Rioja wine guide includes Rioja wine ratings and Rioja wine reviews.