Rioja – Spain's most famous wine region – lies within the Comunidad Autonoma de La Rioja (the autonomous community of La Rioja) in the north of Spain. The region derives its name from the Oja river (el Rio Oja), a tributary of the Ebro.

Rioja was the first region in Spain to be awarded the highest DOCa (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) category, due to its proven record in consistently producing top-quality wines. Its DOCa wines are made from grapes grown not only in Rioja but also in parts of Navarra and Alava.


Old vines and ruins in Rioja
It is Rioja's friendly grape-growing conditions, with varied soil types and complex topography, which set it apart from other Spanish wine regions. In general, the Cantabrian Mountains in the north and west not only provide perfect shelter from the wet and cold influences of the Atlantic Ocean, but also protect Rioja's vineyards from the severe winds which are typical in this region. However, temperatures vary across the region. Additionally, there are considerable variations in the mix of the local soils, ranging from chalk to iron, limestone and clay.

The diversity of the terroir is reflected in Rioja's wines, which range from easy-drinking, young red wines to more rustic, fuller styles which are capable of being cellared for many years. Rioja's claim to fame is Spain's classic grape variety, Tempranillo, which thrives on the clay- and limestone-based soils of the best vineyard sites. Nevertheless, most of the wines are typically blends, in which Garnacha is employed to add its distinctive power and perfume. Garnacha is also used in Rioja's rosé (Rosado) wines, as well as in single-variety wines. Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano also find their way into Rioja wines, although in smaller quantities. Cabernet Sauvignon also finds favor as a blending partner with some notable producers.

Most top red Rioja wines are matured in new American-oak barrels, although many wineries have successfully experimented with a combination of American and French oak. The wines are categorized according to the amount of time they have been aged, as in Joven (young), Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva.

Rioja also produces quality white wines based on Viura (called Macabeo elsewhere in Spain) and Malvasia. The barrel-fermented examples are much sought after.