Rioja Wine

The Rioja wine region is situated in northern Spain, and spans the autonomous communities of La Rioja and Navarre, as well as the province of Álava. It is broadly divided into three separate sub-regions - Alta, Alavesa and Baj - with the first two having a continental climate and the latter having more of a Mediterranean climate. The Cantabrian Mountains, situated to the north of the region, offer protection against harsher Atlantic influences.

Around 80 percent of all wine produce in the Rioja region is red, with common grape varieties including Garnacha, Tempranillo and Mazuelo. However, both white and rosé wine are also produced in the region, with the main white wine grape varieties including Viura and Malvasía. Rioja's red wines, in particular, are notable for their oak influences, while the Alta sub-region has a strong reputation globally for its 'old style' approach.