Rioja

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Accessory grape varieties

Terroir

• The Sierra de Cantabria, situated to the north, provides an even more decisive protective effect over Rioja Alavesa than it does over Rioja Alta.
• Sunshine hours in Rioja Alavesa are similar to those of Rioja Alta, although its rainfall is somewhat lower than in that zone.
• The clay-limestone soils found in the northernmost part of the Rioja appellation, straddling Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, constitute the primary source for wines intended for oak ageing.

• There is documented evidence of the production of quality sparkling wines by certain wineries using the traditional method since the mid-nineteenth century, which underpins the accumulated know-how and experience.
• The Rioja appellation has optimised its natural conditions by specialising in the ageing of wines, amassing one of the highest concentrations of oak barrels in the world.

• The wines of Rioja Alavesa are versatile, suited both to earlier drinking and to extended ageing, and equally well suited to blended wines.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the specification (pliego de condiciones).

Subzonas

• Rioja Alavesa DOCa (PDO)
• Rioja Alta DOCa (PDO)
• Rioja Oriental DOCa (PDO)

All appellations in Spain

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• National pliego de condiciones (PDF) — +1 varieties added
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-ES-A0117
• Official trade body site — DOCa Rioja