Rioja, the best known of the Spanish wine regions, carefully preserves its wine styles but there are also some modern trends which are interesting to observe.

Located partly within the Basque country, Rioja is best known for red wines and the Tempranillo grape. The versatile nature of this variety means that the region’s red wines cover variety of styles from young easy-drinking wines through to more sophisticated styles capable of many years of cellaring. Some producers also offer white wines*, including some fine barrel-fermented and oak-aged styles, and rosés.

Most Rioja wines are aged according to strict ageing specifications and not released until they are considered to be ready to be enjoyed which is makes this region rather unique in the wine world. The various ageing categories – Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva – are indicated on the back label. Other grapes in the blend may also be indicated: Tempranillo is supported by Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo depending on the producer and even Cabernet Sauvignon occasionally. This gives Rioja wines their distinctive style, especially in barrel aged wines.

Not all Rioja wines follow the traditional age classifications. Indeed some modern styles place more focus on a specific vineyard or ‘pago’ reflecting the strong interest among producers to offer wines with distinctive local character.

Rioja’s first bodegas date back to 1870-1890 and the region expanded and established its reputation at home and abroad during the 20th century. The early years of this century has seen some exciting changes with new wave of modern architecture appearing on the landscape (and many metres under ground for new cellars).

The works of famous architects such as Santiago Calatrava and Frank Gehry now rub shoulders with historic cellars making Rioja a great place to visit for wine, food and spectacular local scenery set against the rocky Sierra Cantabria mountains.

Rioja’s wine routes guide visitors through the delightful towns which make up the Rioja heartland including Haro, Labastida, Cenicero and Elciego where you can stop at the bodegas for tours and tastings.

*In 2007 Rioja’s Consejo Regulador incorporated six additional white grape varieties. They include the local varieties Maturana Blanca, Tempranillo Blanco and Turruntés and three grapes not native to Rioja: Verdejo, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.