Rioja Wine Region Guide

Key Grapes

Tempranillo

Climate

Continental climate moderated by Atlantic and Mediterranean influences, with hot summers and cold winters

Notable Wines

Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva
Marques de Riscal
Muga

Highlights

Spain's first DOCa (highest quality designation)
Unique aging classifications: Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva
Three distinct sub-regions with different styles
Centuries of winemaking heritage

Spain’s Wine Jewel

Rioja holds Spain’s highest wine classification (DOCa) and represents the pinnacle of Spanish winemaking. Located along the Ebro River in northern Spain, this historic region has produced wine for over a thousand years.

The Rioja Aging System

Rioja’s unique classification is based on aging requirements:

Joven

Young wine with little or no oak aging, fresh and fruit-forward.

Crianza

Minimum two years aging, including one year in oak. Balanced fruit and oak character.

Reserva

Three years total aging, minimum one year in oak. More complex with integrated oak flavors.

Gran Reserva

Five years total aging, at least two in oak. Produced only in exceptional vintages, these wines show remarkable complexity and elegance.

The Three Rioja Zones

Rioja Alta: Higher elevation, elegant wines with good acidity
Rioja Alavesa: Calcareous soils, structured wines
Rioja Oriental: Warmer climate, riper, fuller-bodied wines

Tempranillo: The Heart of Rioja

Tempranillo dominates Rioja, producing wines with cherry and plum fruit, leather, vanilla, and the distinctive coconut notes from American oak barrels.

Exceptional Value

Rioja offers outstanding quality for the price. A Rioja Reserva often provides complexity that rivals wines costing twice as much from other regions.

Discover Rioja with Sommo

Scan Rioja labels with Sommo to understand the aging classification, producer reputation, and food pairing suggestions.