Photo from trip to Madrid, Spain 2008
Rioja is the long with glorious viniculture history region in Spain. Rioja wine, is named after this region is well known since centuries. Rioja wine are specially red wine. The rioja vineyards were planted before the Romans moved to this area; who are actually traditional bringers of wine. Vineyards are occupying more acreage than any other country and hence have special place in Spaniard’s hearts.
There are seven types of grapes planted in Rioja. Four varieties of grapes makes up 80% of all production used to make red wine. Three varieties of grapes makes up 10% of all production used to make white wine, and remaining 10% makes rose wine.
How to select Rioja wine
Rioja Red wine grapes
Tempranillo – It produces gentle, soft supple wines, flavor of soft red summer fruits like strawberries and raspberries. Tempranillo gives great structure wine, famous for their depth, character and elegance.
Garnacha Tinta – This grape produces peppery (i.e. spicy) adding warmth to Rioja wine.
Graciano-Graciano is capable of making varietal wines of great character and elegance.It can be blended with Tempranillo Rioja to give extra fruit and elegance to the wine.
Mazuelo – Mazuelo itself is very rarely available. It gives tannin than other Rioja wines. It can be blended with Tempranillo to add weight and color to the wine.
Rioja White wine grapes
Viura – It produces Rioja white wine which is little tart. Wine made from Viura is clean, fresh, reviving.
Malvasia – This grape wine can be blended in small quantities along with Viura to make classic oak-aged white wines. It gives nutty, musky and savoury character, when added with fresh crisp Viura and the vanilla of the oak gives wine of great uniqueness and style.
Garnacha Blanca – This grape is heavy and hence blended in small quantity with Viura wines to add weight and body Viura wines.
Different type of Rioja wine
Red Rioja
The Red Rioja wine is most famous style of Rioja. It gives classic and bold taste to wine with their tempranillo roots. It gives bright, fresh flavor to Red Rioja. Red Rioja goes with steak and other hearty meats.
White Rioja
White Rioja commonly known as Rioja Blanca is light, fine aroma flavored with greenish-yellow color. This wine is primarily made from Viura grape.
Rosé Rioja
Rosé Rioja is fresh, strong, lighter weight. They are mostly made from Garnacha grapes with bright pink color.
Links to buy Online
You can buy wine online from the Internet website. Here are few links to buy online Rioja wine: Snooth, Vibrant Rioja, The Wine Buyer.
Visit our other site, Recipes for the Family and find recipes from around the world, including Spain!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by WinesFromSpain, Fioriello. Fioriello said: Learn about Rioja wine and the Spanish life http://reallyredwine.com/savor-rioja-wine-and-the-spanish-life/ [...]