Hispanic Heritage Month, part 2- Rioja

October 6, 8:19 AMWine ExaminerLeslie Cramer

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Wine Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

This great WineIntro.com article  proves we are still in the throes of Hispanic Heritage Month. It shines a light on Rioja, both the region and the wines.

Rioja is a region in Spain with a long, glorious vinicultural history. Rioja wine, especially the red, has been well known for centuries. The Rioja vineyards were planted even before the traditional bringers of wine, the expanding Romans, moved into the area.

Wine and vineyards have always held a special place in Spaniards' hearts. Spain has more acreage planted than any other country. They do not produce the most wine because of their standards of quality. Their attention to detail has been documented for centuries. According to the Consejo Regulador of Rioja website: In 1635, the Mayor of Logroño banned carriages from passing along the roads next to cellars "for fear that the vibration from these vehicles might affect the juice and the ageing of our precious wines". The board was created in 1926 to oversee the proper use of the Rioja appellation. The appellation itself was set up by royal decree in 1902.and vineyards have always held a special place in Spaniards' hearts. Spain has more acreage planted than any other country. They do not produce the most wine because of their standards of quality. Their attention to detail has been documented for centuries. According to the Consejo Regulador of Rioja website: In 1635, the Mayor of Logroño banned carriages from passing along the roads next to cellars "for fear that the vibration from these vehicles might affect the juice and the ageing of our precious wines". The board was created in 1926 to oversee the proper use of the Rioja appellation. The appellation itself was set up by royal decree in 1902.

Red Rioja
The "red Rioja" is most well known style of Rioja. Classic, bold, these wines taste mostly of their tempranillo roots and have a bright, fresh flavor to them. This goes extremely well with steak and other hearty meats. Serve red Riojas at 61F - they do not need decanting.

Rosé Rioja
The rosé version of Rioja is also fresh and strong, but has a lighter weight to it. They are predominantly Garnacha grapes, and are bright pink.

White Rioja (Rioja Blanca)
More greenish-yellow than white, Rioja Blanca has a light, fine aroma and flavor. These wines are made primarily with the Viura grape.

There are seven types of grapes used in making Rioja. Four are used for the red variety, which makes up 80% of all production. Three are used for the white variety, which is another 10%. The final 10% is rosé.

Flag of Rioja

Rioja wines can come from three subregions:
Alta
Alavesa

Baja

For more info: Rioja wines will not dissapoint, try one, especailly this month.  And hug a Puerto Rican.