Wine from Rioja

Spain is third globally, in terms of wine manufacturing capability. Rioja is perhaps Spain's most famous wine producing region. Rioja produces elegant, flamboyant red wines from Tempranillo as well as Garnacha. Situated in northern Spain, Rioja's vineyards follow the Ebro River for approximately sixty miles between the urban areas of Haro and Alfaro.

The wine region of Rioja is within the La Rioja area. It happens to be named because of the Rio Oja river, which meanders through La Rioja. Wines in the region enjoy environmental benefits, specifically the Ebro Valley and Sierra de la Demanda's and Sierra de Cantabria’s mountain systems.

The Cantabrian foothills which border the northern part of Rioja and the west offer protection from chilly rains from the Atlantic Ocean. This is certainly an important element in Rioja wine making, the climate often notably hotter and drier when compared with the north. The highest quality soil possesses greater quantities of limestone which nourish the grapes with natural minerals.

In 1933, Rioja became the first Spanish region honoured with de Origen (DO) status. Additionally, in 1991, it was promoted to the highest position of DOCa. The region has a reputation of wine making that extends back to ancient Roman times and production has continued ever since. Manufacturing blossomed somewhere between 200 B .C. and 500 A .D., as demonstrated by means of amphorae together with other wine-associated objects of great value discovered by archaeological digging.