Wine related articles
Become a Wine Genius in 5 Minutes or Less - Rioja, Spain
By Tracy Wallace
November 25, 2005
Become a Wine Genius was created for wine enthusiasts who are interested in the information a Sommelier utilizes on daily basis. This information helps the Sommelier make the best wine choices for their clients.
Geography - Rioja is a wine region located in Northern Central Spain also known as, The Upper Ebro. The finest vineyards are located on either side of the Ebro River.
Interesting Historical Facts - The region of Rioja became world famous for its wines in the 1800s when winemakers from Bordeaux migrated into Rioja, Spain. Vineyards in France had been plagued with phylloxera (a vine aphid that kills vines). The Bordelais bought their wine making techniques with them, revolutionizing the wines of Rioja.
Breakin’ Down the Basics - Rioja is a place (region); Rioja is also the name of a wine (Ex. “Honey, I’m going to pick up a Rioja to go with our dinner”). A Rioja wine may be either a red (75% of production), a rose (15%) or a white (10%). The region of Rioja contains three important sub-regions: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja. Rioja Alavesa and Alta are considered to produce the best wines due to the cooler climate in these sub-regions. This cooler climate allows more of the fruits own natural flavors to come through. Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta also have the best soil types of growing the most important grape of the region, Tempranillo.
Look at the Label and Learn Insider Secrets - On the wine labels of a Rioja you may see one of the following terms that pertain to how the wine is aged. Vin Joven (literally means young wine), this wine, by law cannot be wood aged. A Crianza is a wine that is at least two years old and aged a minimum of twelve months. Reserva is the term used for only the best wines from the region and from good years. Red Riojas spend at least one year in oak, while the roses and whites spend six months. Gran reserva relates to wines made from only the very best years. These wines are considered those to be ones that are capable of getting better with age. Gran reservas, spend a minimum of two years in oak casks and three years aging in the bottle. Rose or white Gran reservas (which are harder to find in the U.S.) require four years aging and at least six months in oak.
This Info will make you a Wine Rock Star - The wines of Rioja fall under the Spanish Wine Law category of DOC or DOCa (Denominacion de Origen Calificada). This category is the highest quality level of wine found in Spain. Every bottle of DOC/DOCa wine carries a graphic stamp and number somewhere on the label. This stamp guarantees the wines’ region of origin. This classification in no way indicates that you will like the taste of the wine but, you can sleep like a baby knowing that you got what you paid for.
What makes Riojas Unique - Red Riojas are easy drinking wines. Even people who don’t like wine, like Riojas because the primary fruit used is Tempranillo. Tempranillo is a grape that at times will taste like a cross between Cabernet and Pinot Noir.
Words that Describe Red Rioja - Rich flavor, striking strawberry fruit, lush blackberries, raspberries, tobacco, plums, prune, burnished chocolate and smoky oak. These are great wines for people who enjoy Pinot Noir and lower tannin Italian wines.
Grape Types Found in Red, White and Rose Riojas - Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano, Viura, Malvasia and Graciano.
Food Pairing with Rioja - chicken, turkey, salmon, lamb, beans, mushrooms (fresh or sauteed), brie, mac n’ cheese, ham, sausages, grilled meats with herbs.
Some of the Best Producers of Rioja - Muga, Marques de Caceres, Marques de Riscal, La Rioja Alta, Bodegas Palacio, and Contino.
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