Rioja wines are greatly influenced by winemaking practices introduced by French families who migrated to Rioja in the late 1800s after the devastating Phylloxera blight that struck the Bordeaux vineyards. They tend to be made in a Bordeaux style, with extensive use of aging in oak barricas (barriques). The Oak gives Rioja its characteristic vanilla flavour and aroma.

Location Rioja is located in the north of Spain, on both banks of the Ebro River. Grapes Red: Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta (Grenache), Graciano, Mazuela (Carignan) White: Viura (Macabeo), Malvasia (Malmsey) and Garnacha Blanca Look Out For Joven / Sin Crianza: 'young' or 'not aged' - this wine is sold one or two years after the vintage. Crianza: has at least two years' aging. Reserva: has at least three years' aging, with at least one in oak. Gran Reserva: has at least five years' aging, with at least two in oak.

Red wines make up 75 - 80% of the total production, using the Tempranillo as the primary red grape. Garnacha Tinta (Granache), Mazuelo (Carignan), and Graciano are also allowed.

A small amount of white wine is made from Viura (Macabeo), Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia (Malmsey). The white wines from Rioja were traditionally heavily oaked, but now crisper, fresher wines are the style.

Rioja lies on the River Ebro valley, with mountains to the north. It is divided into three regions: the Rioja Alta in the southwest, Rioja Alavesa are in the northwest, and the Rioja Baja is in the east. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa are the best sub-regions, however, most Riojas are a blend of grapes from all over the region.

1. Rioja Alta

This is seen as the highest quality region, producing the most sophisticated wines. The Rioja from this area are usually based on the Tempranillo grape variety; delicate in flavour and maturing well. These are the wines that are of most interest to collectors.

2. Rioja Alavesa

This high quality region produces elegant wines, characteristically made from the Tempranillo grape. The resulting wines are fruity and good drunk young.

3. Rioja Baja

Although associated traditionally with blending wines, recent investments have improved quality. The Rioja Baja produces wines from the garnacha grape which tend to be heavy and have a high alcohol content.

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