Rioja

Rioja is one of Spain's oldest wine regions and is where the Tempranillo grape reigns. The region is located in northern Spain, and is separated into Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja. The climate is generally continental, but there are are cooler microclimates in the foothills of the Cantabrian Mountains, and much hotter microclimates in the Rioja Baja. In the foothills is where the elegance of the Tempranillo stands out, producing wines that have rich fruit, but are aromatic and delicate at the same time. Many wineries blend from all three sub-regions to bring balance to their wines. The wines are typically aged in American Oak barrels, which impart a sweet vanilla spice to the wines. Many red Rioja wines age seemlessly for decades, and take on attribues of dried fruit, spice, and chutney. There is also great white and rosé made in Rioja. Whites are made from Malvasia Bianco, Viura, and Airen; they are often crisp, but with have a pleasant oxidative element, like blanched nuts. The rosés carry the same pretty fruit as the reds do, and can be full-bodied and versatile food partners.