What grapes are used in Rioja wine?
Rioja is made from a blend of grape varieties, with Tempranillo being the dominant grape. Garnacha is typically included in the blend to add some fruitiness; Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena) and Graciano may also be included.
What’s the main grape varieties used in a red Rioja wine?
Rioja since its foundation in 1925 have been seven, four red and three white: Red varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha tinta, Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena) and Graciano. White varieties: Viura (also known as Macabeo), Malvasía and Garnacha blanca.
What is the main black grape grown in Rioja?
Tempranillo
Tempranillo has been grown on the Iberian Peninsula since the time of Phoenician settlements. It is the main grape used in Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain’s noble grape.
Is Rioja wine dry or sweet?
They’re generally low in acidity, with good sweetness and tannin and little to no oak. Older reds, especially reservas, are everything you want to experience in Rioja. Medium sweetness and tannin and low acidity with a medium to high oakiness. These wines are true class and offer unbeatable value for money.
Why is it called Rioja?
The name Rioja comes from the Rio Oja (Oja River) which flows into the Ebro, the main river which flows from the west to the east of our region in Spain.
Is Rioja red or white?
Rioja is a Denominación de Origen Calificada (D.O. Ca) wine named after the La Rioja province in northeast Spain, where the wine is made. The majority of Rioja wine is red (tinto), but it can also be white (blanco) or pink (rosado), and sometimes even sparkling, although this is uncommon.
Is White Rioja a dry wine?
Fresh White Rioja is light with very little body and features a noticeable acidity and dryness. These wines tend to be quite fruity with noticeable flavours of melon and lemon. Aged White Rioja like it’s younger sibling is also dry and highly acidic.
