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
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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Rioja | 7 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. TAX
€324.23 |
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James Suckling (96)Such an exuberant, floral nose with lots of berries, plums, dark cherries, ink and touches of dark minerals, mussels and spices. Quite pristine and naked, with a medium to full body and a mouthful of powerful, sensuous tannins. Great tension. A super-confident, single-vineyard wine without much adornment. Drink or hold. |
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Rioja | 1 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€103.74 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 2005 Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and aged 20% in American and 80% French oak for 18 months. It has a flamboyant bouquet of kirsch, orange peel and earthy, cedar aromas that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine focus and poise. It bounds along with pure dark cherry and raspberry fruit that are cut through by a silver thread of acidity. It is very harmonious and clean, with an attractive note of leather and dark chocolate towards the finish. This is very fine and well-crafted. Drink 2013-2022+ |
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Rioja | 1 | 94 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€345.84 |
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Wine Advocate (94)I was waiting to compare the 2010 Viña Real Gran Reserva with the Imperial Gran Reserva from that same vintage, as the comparison promised to be fascinating. This red blend from the Alavesa part of Rioja produced in its own winery is 95% Tempranillo and the rest Graciano; it fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrel for two years. The wine shows superb balance and harmony, with very subtle aromas of spices and flowers. It is one of those noses that make you go back to the wine over and over again, as it developed subtle nuances every time you smelled it. The palate feels a bit light compared with the Contino, which has more clout. I was going back and forth and at the end, I believe the three have a very similar quality level; what's best is that each has its own style and personality. 20,000 bottles produced. |
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Rioja | 1 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€265.52 |
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Vinous (94)Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework. |
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Rioja | 4 | 94 (VN) |
Inc. TAX
€262.08 |
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Vinous (94)Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework. |
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Rioja | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€217.52 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. |
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Rioja | 1 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€365.74 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. |
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Rioja | 3 | 95 (WA) |
Inc. TAX
€226.08 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. |
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Rioja | 10 | - |
Inc. TAX
€219.07 |
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El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 exemplifies the esteemed heritage of Bodegas El Coto, nestled in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes sourced from meticulously selected vineyards, this Crianza undergoes a traditional vinification process. Following harvest, the wines are gently fermented and then aged for a minimum of twelve months, with at least six months matured in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The remainder of the ageing occurs in the winery’s cellars, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and harmonious balance. The 2021 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, complemented by aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement a variety of gourmet dishes, El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 is a testament to fine Rioja winemaking artistry. |
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Rioja | 30 | - |
Inc. TAX
€149.74 |
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El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 exemplifies the esteemed heritage of Bodegas El Coto, nestled in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes sourced from meticulously selected vineyards, this Crianza undergoes a traditional vinification process. Following harvest, the wines are gently fermented and then aged for a minimum of twelve months, with at least six months matured in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The remainder of the ageing occurs in the winery’s cellars, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and harmonious balance. The 2021 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, complemented by aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement a variety of gourmet dishes, El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 is a testament to fine Rioja winemaking artistry. |
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Rioja | 1 | 97 (DC) |
Inc. TAX
€191.28 |
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Decanter (97)This dark, relatively tight-knit Rioja proves that the Gran Reserva category doesn't just indicate the supremely well-aged, relaxed and reposeful style of Rioja, but can also serve to draw drinkers' attention to outstanding wines of density and tenacity which still have a way to run along their potential ageing trajectories. Look out for dark, urgent fruits here sweetened and back-lit by cunningly angled oak, with intense, deep, fresh and searching flavours in which the 10% of Graciano seems to be working overtime. A Rioja of innate drama. |
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Rioja | 1 | 92 (WE) |
Inc. TAX
€161.04 |
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Wine Enthusiast (92)Deep, sweet dark-cherry fruit forms a solid foundation for this impressive wine. There's a touch of menthol oak on the nose; plenty of leather and earth accents in the mouth, coupled with good acidity, keep the palate complex and lively. Finishes long, with full—but not harsh—tannins. Editors' Choice. |
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| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Rioja | 7 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
€248.00 |
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James Suckling (96)Such an exuberant, floral nose with lots of berries, plums, dark cherries, ink and touches of dark minerals, mussels and spices. Quite pristine and naked, with a medium to full body and a mouthful of powerful, sensuous tannins. Great tension. A super-confident, single-vineyard wine without much adornment. Drink or hold. |
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Rioja | 1 | 93 (WA) |
In Bond
€83.00 |
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Wine Advocate (93)The 2005 Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and aged 20% in American and 80% French oak for 18 months. It has a flamboyant bouquet of kirsch, orange peel and earthy, cedar aromas that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine focus and poise. It bounds along with pure dark cherry and raspberry fruit that are cut through by a silver thread of acidity. It is very harmonious and clean, with an attractive note of leather and dark chocolate towards the finish. This is very fine and well-crafted. Drink 2013-2022+ |
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Rioja | 1 | 94 (WA) |
In Bond
€269.00 |
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Wine Advocate (94)I was waiting to compare the 2010 Viña Real Gran Reserva with the Imperial Gran Reserva from that same vintage, as the comparison promised to be fascinating. This red blend from the Alavesa part of Rioja produced in its own winery is 95% Tempranillo and the rest Graciano; it fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrel for two years. The wine shows superb balance and harmony, with very subtle aromas of spices and flowers. It is one of those noses that make you go back to the wine over and over again, as it developed subtle nuances every time you smelled it. The palate feels a bit light compared with the Contino, which has more clout. I was going back and forth and at the end, I believe the three have a very similar quality level; what's best is that each has its own style and personality. 20,000 bottles produced. |
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Rioja | 1 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€207.00 |
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Vinous (94)Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework. |
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Rioja | 4 | 94 (VN) |
In Bond
€197.00 |
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Vinous (94)Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework. |
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Rioja | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€167.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. |
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Rioja | 1 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€281.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. |
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Rioja | 3 | 95 (WA) |
In Bond
€167.00 |
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Wine Advocate (95)The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019. |
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Rioja | 10 | - |
In Bond
€135.00 |
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El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 exemplifies the esteemed heritage of Bodegas El Coto, nestled in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes sourced from meticulously selected vineyards, this Crianza undergoes a traditional vinification process. Following harvest, the wines are gently fermented and then aged for a minimum of twelve months, with at least six months matured in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The remainder of the ageing occurs in the winery’s cellars, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and harmonious balance. The 2021 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, complemented by aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement a variety of gourmet dishes, El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 is a testament to fine Rioja winemaking artistry. |
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Rioja | 30 | - |
In Bond
€101.00 |
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El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 exemplifies the esteemed heritage of Bodegas El Coto, nestled in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes sourced from meticulously selected vineyards, this Crianza undergoes a traditional vinification process. Following harvest, the wines are gently fermented and then aged for a minimum of twelve months, with at least six months matured in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The remainder of the ageing occurs in the winery’s cellars, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and harmonious balance. The 2021 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, complemented by aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement a variety of gourmet dishes, El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 is a testament to fine Rioja winemaking artistry. |
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Rioja | 1 | 97 (DC) |
In Bond
€138.00 |
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Decanter (97)This dark, relatively tight-knit Rioja proves that the Gran Reserva category doesn't just indicate the supremely well-aged, relaxed and reposeful style of Rioja, but can also serve to draw drinkers' attention to outstanding wines of density and tenacity which still have a way to run along their potential ageing trajectories. Look out for dark, urgent fruits here sweetened and back-lit by cunningly angled oak, with intense, deep, fresh and searching flavours in which the 10% of Graciano seems to be working overtime. A Rioja of innate drama. |
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Rioja | 1 | 92 (WE) |
In Bond
€131.00 |
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Wine Enthusiast (92)Deep, sweet dark-cherry fruit forms a solid foundation for this impressive wine. There's a touch of menthol oak on the nose; plenty of leather and earth accents in the mouth, coupled with good acidity, keep the palate complex and lively. Finishes long, with full—but not harsh—tannins. Editors' Choice. |
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