There are only two regions in Spain that have received the highest quality rating, DOCa. Among them, "Rioja" was the first to obtain DOCa.
This time, I would like to introduce the "red wine" produced in Rioja.
"Rioja red" with firm tannins and fruit flavors
75% of the wine produced in Rioja is red. Perfect for those looking for the structure of a Cabernet Sauvignon or the cherry flavor of a Pinot Noir. A fruity wine with firm tannins.
Burgundy-style wine with Bordeaux history
Rioja has a rich wine-making culture that dates back to Roman times. Rioja producers are proud of their history when making wine.
Winemakers happily admit that Rioja's wines are influenced by French wines, and that Rioja's past is closely intertwined with Bordeaux. Rioja's historic wineries are sometimes described as "Burgundy-style wines with the history of Bordeaux."
Although it has many similarities with French wine, one of its appeals is that it is more affordable than French wine.
You can find Reserva class wines even in the 2,000 yen range.
What grape varieties are used?
Tempranillo is the base of Rioja's red wine. It accounts for approximately 80% of the region's production.
Tempranillo makes a light wine that is fruity and fresh. Aging in oak barrels gives it an elegant silky texture and enhances its aroma.
Additionally, blend for complementary aroma and depth. ``Garnacha'' adds body and alcohol concentration, ``Mazuelo'' adds tannins and flavor, and ``Graciano'' adds aroma and acidity.
Rioja has 3 zones
Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa tend to have higher quality wines than Rioja Baja. Many people seem to think so. However, this cannot be said with absolute certainty. You can find great Rioja wines by checking the vintage and producer.
rioja alta
Located in the western highlands, the vineyards are located high up on the slopes of the Sierra Cantabria (up to 800 meters). Because of the altitude and cooler temperatures, Rioja Alta's wines tend to be more elegant, with higher tannins and acidity than Rioja Baja.
Rioja Alavesa
Alavesa wines are similar to Rioja Alta. These two regions have more rolling hills, and the best vineyards are on south-facing slopes. It is characterized by fruit purity and a captivating aroma.
rioja baja
It is located in a flat area facing the Ebro River. It has a hot, Mediterranean climate. Rioja Baja wines have more fruit flavors. The new winery has a rounder, richer style of wine. Older wines have a characteristic fig flavor.
Check the maturity level from the label
The "most important" thing to know when buying Rioja is that it is divided into four levels depending on how long the wine has been aged in oak barrels. This is similar to the Burgundy Cru classification system.
The classification is displayed on the bottle, so this is an important point to check when choosing wine.
Rioja:
First or second year wine.
Rioja was previously called ``vinjoven,'' meaning ``young wine.'' It lacks the tannins and oak flavors common to fine wines, but instead offers freshness and fruitiness.
Crianza:
Requires at least a year of aging in barrels and several months in bottles.
The wine is generally aged in used oak, so the oak flavor is not as strong.
The goal is to create "high-quality everyday drinking wine." Tempranillo's naturally high tannins give it a firmer body than Merlot.
Reserva:
Requires aging in barrels for at least 1 year and at least 3 years.
"Reserva" is somewhere between the fruity Crianza and the oak-aged Gran Reserva. There are many fans of this Reserva among Rioja wine lovers.
Gran Reserva:
Wines selected from exceptional vintages that have spent at least 2 years in oak barrels and 3 years in bottle.
The interesting thing about Rioja's Gran Reserva is that most winemakers choose the best grapes for this level and age them as long as the wine requires. This means that most of the new releases of Gran Reservas have been aged for around 10 years or more when first released. Gran Reserva Rioja is the ideal wine to enjoy vintages.
Although most Riojas pair well with any food, Gran Reserva is best paired with meats, strong cheeses, and other flavors that can withstand the strength of the wine.
Recommended bottles
Bodegas Campillo Gran Reserva [2008] 750ml, red
Bodegas Campillo in the Rioja Alavesa area.
Campillo is the highest in Rioja at an altitude of 700m, and owns 50ha on a carefully selected prime piece of land on a south-facing slope.
This environment, combined with low yields and rigorous sorting, results in grapes with concentrated tannins and pigments that retain their youthful flavor even after long aging.
The wine has a classic style, somewhere between traditional and modern, with a light mouth feel and great structure afterwards. It has a smooth mouthfeel and a long aftertaste, with a very well-balanced and mellow taste.
A full-bodied, dry wine that pairs well with strongly flavored cheese and meat dishes.
Bodegas Campillo Gran Reserva [2008] 750ml, red
An amazing legendary aged wine made by Murrieta, a leading producer of Rioja wine. This rare limited edition bottle with serial number is perfect for special anniversaries and gifts.
``Casrillo Igai'' is Murieta's flagship wine, produced only in excellent vintages. We use only carefully selected grapes from single vineyards with an average age of 80 years.
Aromas include black cherry, plum, and sweet strawberry jam, with hints of nuts, vanilla, and minerals. It has mature fruit flavor extract and low acidity. An elegant, classic-style red wine with great ripe tannins.
Enjoy Rioja wine with spicy dishes
Red Rioja has a fruity flavor with firm tannins, and goes well with meat dishes such as lamb and pork, dishes with a spicy kick of red chili peppers and garlic, and recipes using saffron rice such as paella.
It may be a little surprising, but it goes perfectly with Indian cuisine, which is full of spices.
Rioja's local cuisine is full of spicy dishes, such as those made with red chili peppers and chorizo.
Enjoy it casually with sliced chorizo, or with spicy curry or Mexican chili.
The well-aged, rich Gran Reserva Rioja is luxurious with lamb and cheese.
It's also fascinating that you can enjoy it in so many different ways!
