Here’s why Rioja is the ultimate summer wine

Whereas travelling overseas stays unsure, oenophiles might be transported to scenic, temperate lands by way of a bottle of one thing particular. Positioned in Northern Spain, alongside the banks of the River Ebro, the Rioja area is a wonderful place to go to, with dramatic, other-worldly landscapes, historic structure and vibrant cities – in addition to a wealth of wineries to discover.

It’s these that lie on the very coronary heart of the area, with greater than 65,000 hectares of lush vineyards producing over 267 million litres of wine annually. Each wine produced comes with a assure of authenticity, combining conventional artisanship and modern-day experience, a profitable components that may be tasted in every divine drop. Though full-bodied reds are the best-known fashion from this distinctive area, there’s a huge array to discover, from crisp, younger whites to vibrant rosés and glowing varieties.

Discovering the right Rioja on your summer time sipping 

With such a various vary of wines to select from, Tatler has pulled collectively a range taken from retailers featured on the Rioja Wine Listing, an internet useful resource that makes buying this failsafe wine much more easy. The listing highlights eating places with nice Rioja wines on their lists, alongside retailers that inventory a variety of Rioja wines that may be delivered straight to your door. 

The whites

There may be a lot extra to Rioja than crimson wine; the area additionally produces a dizzying array of high quality whites, the UK gross sales of which elevated by nearly 20 per cent from 2019 to 2020. There are 9 white Rioja grape varieties, and the most well-liked is the indigenous Viura grape, which varieties the premise of the Finca Allende Blanco 2015, a traditional oaked white Rioja with undertones of spice and dried flowers that makes for an intriguing, subtle flavour. For many who choose a streak of refreshing minerality, Tentenublo Rioja Blanco 2019 is a superbly brilliant but intense choice that’s characteristically Spanish and ideal served chilly as an aperitif. One other scrumptious alternative is López de Heredia Viña Gravonia 2011; an iconic wine that’s barrel-aged for 4 years earlier than it’s bottled, this wine is well-suited to lovers of wealthy, advanced, dry whites.

The rosés

Rosé (or rosado in Spanish) is at all times the right alternative for a summer time’s day and Rioja’s recent, flavourful creations hit all the best notes. UK Rioja rose gross sales additionally loved enormous progress in 2020, and it’s simple to see why: they are usually dry with ripe berry flavours, produced primarily from Tempranillo and Garnacha grape varieties, putting an irresistible stability. Inside its stunning bottle, Muga’s Flor de Muga instantly calls to thoughts sun-drenched picnics and languid afternoons. And the content material is simply pretty much as good – creamy in texture with flavours of peach, orange peel, cinnamon and a contact of citrus and vanilla. Equally beautiful are Ramón Bilbao’s Lalomba Rosado 2019 – a bone dry celebration of blush pear, bay and electrical acidity – and XF’s Rosado Sierra Cantabria 2020, a scrumptious mix of crimson berry and pomegranate flavours topped off with aniseed and darkish fruits.

The reds

The important thing to understanding the reds of this timeless area is Rioja’s distinctive classification system, which labels wines based on how lengthy they’ve been aged within the vineyard previous to being launched. The classifications are: Generic, referring to wines that are usually fruit-driven and of their first or second yr of ageing; Crianza, which have been aged for not less than two years; Reserva, aged for no less than three years with not less than one yr in oak barrels; and Gran Reserva, aged for no less than 5 years with not less than two years in oak barrels. This easy classification system makes a helpful information for getting Rioja throughout the spectrum, guaranteeing that any bottle you purchase is aged to perfection and able to drink.

The traditional Tempranillo grape is the primary grape selection used for crimson Rioja however different varietals, together with Garnacha and Graciano, are additionally grown within the area and might be blended or used to make single selection wines. Tempranillo’s flavour profile is mostly characterised as plummy, with underlying notes of spice and generally tobacco leaf. One unmissable choice is Altos de la Guardia Crianza Rioja 2018, a medium- to full-bodied crimson with notes of tangy cherry, darkish chocolate and silky tannins and a delicate fringe of violet cream. For a special day, attempt Viña Actual, a label created by iconic Rioja pioneers, CVNE. The Gran Reserva 2014 has received varied awards for its mature, advanced flavour, which blends aromas of ripe crimson fruit with roasted tobacco and a contact of toffee. Lastly, Ontañon Rioja Reserva 2010 makes the right match for large, hearty meals with notes of deep, darkish fruit mixed with structured minerality and earthy notes.

Good pairings

In addition to taking the crown of the nation’s premier wine-producing area, Rioja makes a powerful case for being Spain’s gastronomic heartland, with an abundance of scrumptious native produce, together with white asparagus, chorizo and piquillo peppers. And simply as there’s all kinds of wines on supply, Rioja goes nicely with a powerful array of dishes, from traditional pairings like easy-drinking Tempranillo with roasted meat or aged cheese, to extra sudden mixtures, akin to Rioja Blanco with recent Cornish seafood or a picnic within the park.

Nevertheless it’s loved, Rioja is the best alternative for any summer time event (even when that event is merely the tip of a protracted, onerous day).
 
Go to Rioja Wine Directory, the important information to purchasing Rioja on-line, in retailer and at eating places. For extra info on the Rioja Wine area, go to Rioja Wine and look out for Rioja Wine Month in October, which can see retailers and eating places throughout the UK have a good time the Rioja wine area with occasions, tastings and gives.