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QUICK GUIDE TO THE WINES OF RIOJA

ccording to an expert guide from the � Crianza – For Spain, red wines must be aged for
Guild of Master Sommeliers, wine grow- at least 24 months, with six months in small oak
A ing in Rioja may have predated the Ro- barrels. In Rioja: 24 months total, one year in oak
man conquest. Some believe it started as far back barrels ($20 to $35).
as the 8th century BC when the Phoenicians ar-
rived. � Reserva – Wines from selected vats of the better

vintages. Reds must be aged for at least 36
Vintners experimented with many varietals over months, including at least 12 months in small oak
the centuries. Today, approximately 90% of Ri- barrels and the rest in bottles. In Rioja: three
oja’s wine production is red wine, led by Tem- years total, minimum one year in oak, six months
pranillo at 87.7%. White wine is about 9%, with bottle ($35 to $50).
only about 1% rosé.
� Gran Reserva – Wines only produced in excep-
To help consumers be confident in the quality of tional vintages. To qualify as Gran Reserva, red
what they were buying, Spain organized its wines wines must be aged for at least 60 months, with
under a quality pyramid similar to the Appella- at least 18 months in small oak barrels. In Rioja:
tion d’Origine Contrôlée system in France or De- minimum of two years oak ($55 to $95).
nominazione di Origine Controllata in Italy.
Tempranillo wines are known for their bright
The first Spanish Denominaciones de Origen ruby red color, often with purple hues when
(DOs) were awarded in 1932, four years before young. The noses are typically complex and
the codification of France’s first AOCs. Rioja has evolve with aging. Depending on the level, the
different criteria from the rest of Spain. For tast- wines offer hints of black cherry, boysenberry,
ing red wines, these four categories are worth re-
blackcurrant, earthy aromas, leather, tobacco, on
membering as you taste up the quality ladder and
cedar. On the palate, young Tempranillo wines
discover Tempranillo and some of the greatest have firm tannins that soften and integrate with
values in the world in fine red wines (rough price
aging, creating long, rich, complex finishes. Be-
ranges shown in each category). cause of lower acidity levels, the wines tend to be
smoother and less tart than wines of the same age
� Joven – Rioja regional wine. No minimum ag- made from Cabernet Sauvignon or other Bor-
ing is required. It can be released the same year deaux varietals,
as harvest ($15 to $25).

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