Rioja

With its warm days and cool nights, Rioja has become one of Spain’s most celebrated wine-producing regions. Its winemaking tradition dates back centuries—from Roman times through Medieval monasteries. Pilgrims staying at monasteries were offered wine, and upon returning home, they became the first ambassadors of Rioja wines to their native countries. Today the area’s most iconic producers include La Rioja Alta, Viña Tondonia, Bodegas Ondarre, Jesus Madrazo, and Palacios Remondo, among others.

Rioja is renowned for its exceptional terroir—a diverse blend of high-altitude vineyards, ancient soils, and a unique climate shaped by both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. The region comprises three distinct sub-regions: Rioja Alavesa, where high altitude and cool climate create slow-ripening grapes with excellent acidity and balance; Rioja Alta, with clay and limestone soils perfect for Tempranillo grapes; and Rioja Oriental, the warmest eastern sector, where silt and alluvial soils combine with hot, dry summers to ensure full grape ripening.

Rioja produces Spain’s flagship red wines, primarily crafted from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes—varieties known for their exceptional aging potential. The most exquisite Gran Reserva wines are aged for at least five years: two years in oak barrels followed by three years in the bottle. The region also produces distinctive white wines, with the versatile Viura grape taking center stage. In 1991, Rioja achieved a significant milestone by becoming Spain’s first wine region to receive the prestigious Denominación de Origen Calificada status, confirming its position as the country’s premier wine region. To explore Rioja’s rich winemaking culture and diverse styles firsthand, you can join one of Loki Wine’s tastings; latest announcements can be found here.