Spanish Rioja

Rioja is the probably the best type of fine Spanish Red Wine and the varying syles range from the easy drinking Crianza Red Wines, to the Reserva and Gran Reserva Red Wines. The top estates produce Reserva and Gran Reserva Red Wine which may be cellared and aged for decades.

A distinct characteristic of Rioja Red wine is the effect from the use of oak aging.  The use of oak and the pronounced vanilla flavors in the wines has been a trademark of the region though some modern winemakers are experimenting with making Red Wines less influenced by oak ageing. Originally French oak was used to age Rioja Red Wine, but as the cost of the French barrels increased many Rioja producers began to buy American oak planks and fashion them into barrels at Spanish cooperages in a style more closely resembling the French method.

The main grape used to produce Rioja is the Tempranillo. Rioja is divided up into three regions. These include the Rioja Alta, being the most important Red Wine making region in Spain and Slightly to the east are Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja, with the former producing some drinkable wines and the latter less so.