Rioja Wines

Rioja is a region in Northern Spain with a long andToday seven varieties of grape are permitted by
glorious viticultural history. Rioja wine, especiallythe Regulations of the Denominación de
the red, has been well known for centuries. TheOrigen Calificada Rioja, these are:
Rioja region in Northern Spain is situated in the Rio-Red grape; Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and
Ebro valley, it's northernborder being bounded byGraciano and White Grape; Viura, Malvasía
the Sierra de Cantabrias mountain range and it'sand White Garnacha.
southernby the Sierra de la Demanda. TheTypes of Rioja Wines.Most Rioja wines are
resulting geographical location createsconditionsnormally the result of the harmonious combination,
that have produced a perfect environment forin varying proportions, of the different varieties
vineyards.grown in the region and the different sub-areas
The Denominación de Origen Calificada Riojawithin them.
covers some 57,000 hectareslocated in 3Rioja wines exhibit much aromatic complexity.
Autonomous Communities those of La Rioja, TheThey are fresh, with a medium body, a balanced
Basque countryand Navarra. Between them theystructure, and an excellent bouquet.
produce around 250 million litres of Rioja wine per- Red wines: Classic wines of bright colour with a
annum Of which 85% is red and the rest whitesfresh, penetrating aroma; light in the mouth with
or rosés.medium alcohol content. Tempranillo is the
Wine has been produced in this area for centuries,predominant variety used to make these wines.
initially by monks inthe middle ages but as far- Rosé wines: Bright pink wines with a
back as 1635 the Mayor 0f Logroñostrong fragrance. They are light and fresh in the
decreedthat no carriages were to pass along themouth, with medium alcohol content. Garnacha is
roads next to the cellars forfear that the vibrationthe predominant variety used to make these
from them might affect the juice and the ageingwines.
of the precious Rioja wines.- White wines: Greenish-yellow, which can be
In 1102 we find the first document makingmore or less pale. They exhibit fine aromas and
reference to the safeguardingof the quality ofprove light in the mouth with fairly low alcohol
Rioja wines when King Sancho of Navarra legallycontent. Viura is the predominant variety used to
recognized the wines from this area. Then in 1787make these wines.
the Real Sociedad Económica de CosecherosAgeing Rioja Wines.Rioja wines are aged in
de Rioja (Royal Economic Society of Rioja225-litre oak casks, with periodic rackings,
Winegrowers) was established with the solefollowed by a further period of bottle ageing.
purpose of encouraging the cultivation of vines,There are over 270 ageing bodegas in Rioja which
wine production and its commercial development.have a total of over 900,000 casks. The different
In 1902 came a Royal Decree which defined theRioja wine categories are based on minimum
"origin" applicable toRioja Wines and then in 1926ageing periods, which can vary between 1 and 3
came the Consejo Regulador (Control Board) withyears in casks and between 6 months and 6
responsibility to define the designated boundariesyears in the bottle, depending on whether the
of the Rioja region,supervise and issue the "sealwine is to be a Crianza, a Reserva or a Gran
of approval", and to recommend the legal actionReserva. Rioja wines are aged in oak casks of
to be takenagainst mis-use of the name Rioja. In225 litre capacity with periodic rackings.
1945 the board received it'slegal structure andThen follows a period of bottle ageing. The length
then in 1953 finally became officially establishedof the ageing process differs between different
from which time it has set out the foundationscategories of Riojan wine and can vary from1-3
for a modern and efficient production of theseyears in the cask and 6 months to 6 years in the
world famous Spanish wines.bottle dependingon whether the wine is to be a
In1970 this responsibility was clearly defined thus,Crianza, Reserva or Gran Reserva. Today there
"The Control Board shall uphold the Designation ofare over 270 ageing bodegas in Rioja with over
Origin and implement, monitor and foster the900,000 casks.
quality of its wines.The lengthy tradition of winemaking in the Rioja
"The long history of the production andregion of Northern Spainwith the inherent wealth
development of Rioja wines has resulted in a wineof experience that such a period of trial, error,
of outstanding quality which can confidently standdisaster, success and experimentation produces
shoulder to shoulder with many of the worldshas resulted in blessingthe world with a marvellous
finest wines. This was further acknowledgedwine which will satisfy the most discerning palette.
when on April 3rd. 1991 a Ministerial Order grantedThe Health Benefits of Red Wine.A further
the category of "Calificada" to the D.excellent fact about Rioja, and most dark red
O., the first and only wine designation of origin inwines, is that scientific evidence now tells us that
Spain to attain this ranking.they are positively good for us. Drunk in
Rioja Wines, Grape Varieties.For many centuriesmoderation they provide us with those all
wine has been produced in the Riojan area andimportant anti-oxidants. One of which in particular,
obviouslythis lengthy passage of time has resultedcalled reservatrol, has been shown to have
in the natural selection of grapes bestsuited to theanti-cancer properties as well as to have an
area and best able to produce wines of theanti-blood clotting effect. Further proof perhaps of
highest quality.the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.
Factors such as soil type and climate play a largeSo now when you take a drink of red wine and
part in this selection process but of course thesay, " your health", you can really mean it.
resultant wine is an all importantconsideration asCHEERS!
well.