Discover a New Wine Region: Rioja, Spain

Sales of Spanish wine in the United States grew by 16% in 2005 alone - so what should you look for in Spain's finest region, Rioja?

Spain's Wine Renaissance

Spain is the world’s third largest producer of wine, behind Italy and France. Spain has more land dedicated to vines than any other country: 4.5 million acres!

Spain is also a country with a rich winemaking tradition. Many types of wine are produced: Cava (Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines) are produced in the Penedés region not far from Barcelona. Red wines and rosés are produced throughout the entire country. Fortified wines are produced mainly in the south. The best-known region for such wines is Jerez (Sherry).

A twentieth-century renaissance extended nationwide to Spain’s wine industry,
where tremendous investments have been made throughout the country in viticulture and winemaking equipment. In Rioja alone, the number of wineries has increased from 42 to more than 500 since 1982.

Which grapes are used in Rioja wines?

The major red grapes used in Rioja wine are Tempranillo and Garnacha. These grapes are blended with others to give Rioja wines their distinctive taste. On some labels you will see the word cosecha, which in Spanish means "harvest" or "vintage"

Why are Rioja wines so easy to understand?

All you need to know when buying a Rioja wine is the style (level) and the reputation of the Rioja winemaker/shipper. The grape varieties are not found on the wine labels, and there’s no classification to be memorized. The three major levels of Rioja wines are:

Crianza ($)—Released after two years of aging, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels.












Reserva ($$)—Released after three years of aging, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels.












Gran Reserva ($$$$)—Released after five to seven years of aging, with a minimum of two years in oak barrels.

The above post appears in the 2009 edition of the Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly, available in bookstores now. Look for the 25th anniversary edition in Fall of 2009. The Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is the world's best-selling, most highly praised wine book.