Is a beautiful land of breathtaking landscapes, colorful history and a deep, complex culture in which wine has long played an important role. Geography and climate together play a fundamental role in defining Spain\’s many wine styles. As climate, geology and topography vary around Spain, so do the wine styles.
Situated in north-central Spain about 100 miles south of Bilbao, along the meandering Rio Ebro, D.O.Ca. Rioja comprises a vineyard area of 143,318 acres.
Unique to Spain, D.O.Ca. Rioja lies at the confluence of three major climate types: Atlantic (cool and wet), Continental (hot summers, cold winters), and Mediterranean (hot and dry). Though Mediterranean weather tends to dominate, some of the region’s best vineyards are subject to the influences of all three. Because microclimate and vintage variation dramatically affect ripeness and quality level, blending is traditional in Rioja, though exceptional vintages can be outstanding.
THE GRAPES
TEMPRANILLO
TEMPRANILLO
Red grape variety which forms the backbone of some of the finest wines from Spain. A thick-skinned red grape with a high anthocyanin count that makes for deep-colored wines with moderate tannins.
