Rioja
Rioja, one of Spain's most esteemed wine regions, is renowned for its exceptional fine wines. With a winemaking tradition that spans centuries, Rioja is celebrated for its unique terroir, diverse grape varieties, and the artistry of its winemakers. Situated in northern Spain, Rioja produces wines that embody the rich history and passion of Spanish winemaking.
One of the most famous vineyards in Rioja is Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, a historic winery that has been producing wines since 1858. Their wines, including the iconic Marqués de Riscal Reserva and Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva, are renowned for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness.
Another esteemed vineyard is Bodegas López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, known for its traditional winemaking practices and long-aged wines. Their Viña Tondonia Reserva and Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva are highly sought-after by wine enthusiasts seeking the classic Rioja style.
Rioja is primarily known for its red wines, which are crafted predominantly from the Tempranillo grape variety. Notable vineyards such as Bodegas Muga, Bodegas Roda, and Bodegas CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) produce exceptional red wines that showcase the region's unique characteristics. These wines display flavours of ripe red fruit, subtle oak influence, well-integrated tannins, and a remarkable balance.
Rioja also offers notable white wines, mainly made from the Viura grape variety. Bodegas Riojanas, Bodegas Ontañón, and Bodegas Valdemar are among the renowned vineyards that produce exquisite white wines with vibrant acidity, citrus flavours, and a refreshing crispness.
The region's wines are often classified into four categories: Rioja, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, indicating the aging process and quality level. This classification system ensures consistent quality and allows wine lovers to choose wines based on their preferred style and maturity.
Rioja's fine wines beautifully capture the essence of the region, showcasing a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. Whether you're savouring a well-aged Reserva, a vibrant Crianza, or a complex Gran Reserva, Rioja's wines promise an unforgettable experience that reflects the region's winemaking heritage and dedication to excellence.
Rioja
![Rioja vineyards](https://media.cruworldwine.com/media/resized/500_300/catalog/category/rioja-wine.jpg)
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Tim Atkin MW (96)
Malvasía Riojana, or Rojal, is a very rare grape that’s only found in old co-planted field blends as a rule. But here it takes centre stage in a brilliant wine that’s fermented and aged on its lees in concrete eggs. Saline, focused and refined, with jasmine and wet stone aromas, a creamy mid palate and a long, focused, pithy finish. A stunning debut. 2021 – 2026.Inc. TAX€132.55 -
Vinous (94)
Shimmering ruby-red. An intensely perfumed nose displays cherry cola, cassis, licorice and smoky oak; floral and vanilla qualities emerge in the glass. Juicy, penetrating red and dark fruit flavors are given spine by a core of tangy acidity, and bitter chocolate, candied rose and spicecake nuances develop with air. Gently gripping tannins add shape to an impressively long, incisive finish that leaves more vanilla and cherry notes behind. Raised for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.Inc. TAX€514.38 -
Tim Atkin MW (94)
La Rioja Alta is one of the most traditional wineries in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, famous for producing wines that are good to drink on release, but also age beautifully in bottle. This new Gran Reserva, made from Tempranillo with 6% Graciano for added backbone, is very much a reflection of the cooler, more “Atlantic” 2014 vintage. La Rioja Alta didn’t make its top two Gran Reservas – 904 and 890 – in 2014, so all of its best grapes were used for Viña Arana. Fine and elegant, with vibrant acidity, notes of coconut and cinnamon from the American oak and a core of savoury, refreshing tobacco leaf and red berry flavours framed by fine, caressing tannins. Old-fashioned Rioja at its glorious best.Inc. TAX€443.58 -
James Suckling (97)
Really beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry, brambleberry, hazelnut, walnut and light coffee, following through to a full yet so reserved and polished body with fine, creamy-textured tannins. Fresh and exquisite finish. This is a much more refined and harmonic rendition of their classic wine. Three years in French oak from their own production. Very enjoyable now, but this will improve with age for a long time.Inc. TAX€485.58 -
Sourced from one of the most venerable wine regions in Spain, the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Reserva Fincas De Ganuza 2014 is a star among Rioja wines. This full-bodied, exquisite vintage epitomises the masterful craft of the renowned Remirez de Ganuza winery. A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, each grape is meticulously hand-sorted. The result is a wine of unprecedented elegance and complexity.
The age-old tradition of European oak ageing gives this wine its characteristic depth, expressed in its vibrant ruby hue and distinctive notes of dark fruit, tobacco and spice. A decadent finish promises a lingering taste of plum and clove. Optimum serving temperature ranges between 16-18°C. This is unquestionably a bottle reserved for those who appreciate the true artistry of wine fabrication, and a testament to the Remirez de Ganuza’s commitment to producing wines of the highest calibre. Experience the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Reserva Fincas De Ganuza 2014, a vintage truly worthy of its prestige.
Inc. TAX€925.43 -
Experience the impeccable luxury of Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Trasnocho 2014, a brilliant expression of meticulous Spanish viniculture from the distinguished Remirez de Ganuza estate. Located in the renowned Rioja Alavesa region, this extraordinary vintage demonstrates a profound commitment to elegance and finesse.
Ambitious terroir-driven craftsmanship shines in this wine, showcasing the blend of old-vine Tempranillo and Graciano grapes, hand-picked and subjected to an innovative 'trasnocho' method. This technique involves gently pressing the grape skins after fermentation to yield an extra-fragrant, concentrated and potion-like juice—maximising depth of flavour and structural integrity.
The result is an opulent wine which marries intense fruit purity with complex nuances of leather, tobacco and spice, seamlessly integrated with French oak ageing. Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Trasnocho 2014 is a remarkable testament to exclusivity, pioneering spirit, and uncompromising quality.
Inc. TAX€732.78
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Tim Atkin MW (96)
Malvasía Riojana, or Rojal, is a very rare grape that’s only found in old co-planted field blends as a rule. But here it takes centre stage in a brilliant wine that’s fermented and aged on its lees in concrete eggs. Saline, focused and refined, with jasmine and wet stone aromas, a creamy mid palate and a long, focused, pithy finish. A stunning debut. 2021 – 2026.In Bond€103.00 -
Vinous (94)
Shimmering ruby-red. An intensely perfumed nose displays cherry cola, cassis, licorice and smoky oak; floral and vanilla qualities emerge in the glass. Juicy, penetrating red and dark fruit flavors are given spine by a core of tangy acidity, and bitter chocolate, candied rose and spicecake nuances develop with air. Gently gripping tannins add shape to an impressively long, incisive finish that leaves more vanilla and cherry notes behind. Raised for 22 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.In Bond€410.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (94)
La Rioja Alta is one of the most traditional wineries in Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, famous for producing wines that are good to drink on release, but also age beautifully in bottle. This new Gran Reserva, made from Tempranillo with 6% Graciano for added backbone, is very much a reflection of the cooler, more “Atlantic” 2014 vintage. La Rioja Alta didn’t make its top two Gran Reservas – 904 and 890 – in 2014, so all of its best grapes were used for Viña Arana. Fine and elegant, with vibrant acidity, notes of coconut and cinnamon from the American oak and a core of savoury, refreshing tobacco leaf and red berry flavours framed by fine, caressing tannins. Old-fashioned Rioja at its glorious best.In Bond€351.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Really beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry, brambleberry, hazelnut, walnut and light coffee, following through to a full yet so reserved and polished body with fine, creamy-textured tannins. Fresh and exquisite finish. This is a much more refined and harmonic rendition of their classic wine. Three years in French oak from their own production. Very enjoyable now, but this will improve with age for a long time.In Bond€386.00 -
Sourced from one of the most venerable wine regions in Spain, the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Reserva Fincas De Ganuza 2014 is a star among Rioja wines. This full-bodied, exquisite vintage epitomises the masterful craft of the renowned Remirez de Ganuza winery. A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano, each grape is meticulously hand-sorted. The result is a wine of unprecedented elegance and complexity.
The age-old tradition of European oak ageing gives this wine its characteristic depth, expressed in its vibrant ruby hue and distinctive notes of dark fruit, tobacco and spice. A decadent finish promises a lingering taste of plum and clove. Optimum serving temperature ranges between 16-18°C. This is unquestionably a bottle reserved for those who appreciate the true artistry of wine fabrication, and a testament to the Remirez de Ganuza’s commitment to producing wines of the highest calibre. Experience the Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Reserva Fincas De Ganuza 2014, a vintage truly worthy of its prestige.
In Bond€749.00 -
Experience the impeccable luxury of Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Trasnocho 2014, a brilliant expression of meticulous Spanish viniculture from the distinguished Remirez de Ganuza estate. Located in the renowned Rioja Alavesa region, this extraordinary vintage demonstrates a profound commitment to elegance and finesse.
Ambitious terroir-driven craftsmanship shines in this wine, showcasing the blend of old-vine Tempranillo and Graciano grapes, hand-picked and subjected to an innovative 'trasnocho' method. This technique involves gently pressing the grape skins after fermentation to yield an extra-fragrant, concentrated and potion-like juice—maximising depth of flavour and structural integrity.
The result is an opulent wine which marries intense fruit purity with complex nuances of leather, tobacco and spice, seamlessly integrated with French oak ageing. Remirez de Ganuza Rioja Trasnocho 2014 is a remarkable testament to exclusivity, pioneering spirit, and uncompromising quality.
In Bond€592.00