Rioja Reserva (Spain)
Rioja is a DOC wine region in Northern Spain.
A typical Rioja blend consists of approx. 60% Tempranillo and up to 20% Garnacha.
Typical Flavors
 Red Cherry |
 Black Cherry |
 Raspberry |
 Blackberry |
 Blueberry |
 Plum |
 Spices |
 Herbs |
Oak Added Flavors:
 Vanilla |
 Cocoa |
 Tobacco |
 Caramel |
Cherries, Red and Black Berries, and Plum are typical Rioja Riserva flavors.
Hints of Herbs and Spices (Licorice, Anise).
American oak is the traditional choice for oaking Rioja Riserva.
Profile
Rioja Riserva is a Full Bodied red wine:
| BODY | Full | ||
| TANNINS | High | ||
| FRUIT | Medium | ||
| ACIDITY | Medium | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
 Tapas |
 Ham |
 Chorizo |
 Chili |
 Pasta |
 Pizza |
 Lasagna |
 Hamburger |
 Chicken |
 Rabbit |
 Pork |
 Lamb |
Rioja Riserva is perfect with Lamb and Pork.
It is also perfect with Filet Mignon, but lacks the tannins for a fat Beef.
Young Rioja Riserva pairs well with both Spicy and Tomato based dishes.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Tapas. Olives. Cold Cuts. Chorizo.
Pizza. Spaghetti. Lasagna.
Tomato Based Meatballs.
Savory Stews. Moroccan Tagine.
Poultry. Pork. Lamb.
Red Pepper Dishes.
Tacos. Nachos. Burritos.
Cheese:
Hard Sheep Cheese. Manchego. Roncal.
Pecorino Toscano.
Spanish Specialities:
Paella.
Chili con Carne.
Best Pairing Unoaked Rioja Riserva:
Tapas. Pizza.
Cold Cuts.
Soft Cheese.
Rioja Riserva Crianza:
Roasted Meat. Lamb. Pork. Poultry.
Grilled Salmon.
Casseroles.
Rioja Riserva Reserva:
Roasted Meat. Lamb. Pork. Poultry.
Mushroom Dishes.
Rioja Riserva Grand Reserva:
Grilled Suckling Lamb (Lechazo).
Grilled Suckling Pig.
Grilled Lamb Chops.
Manchego Cheese.
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The Ideal Glass
The Bordeaux glass is perfect for medium to full bodied red wines.
It is taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.
The large size of the glass allows the fruit bouquet to develop. It smooths out rough edges, plays down tannins, and allows the wines to achieve balance.
The slimmer bowl sends the wine directly to the back of the mouth for maximum taste.
Rioja DOCa
Rioja wines are normally a blend of various grape varieties. A typical blend consists of approximately 60% Tempranillo and up to 20% Garnacha.
Rioja was the first Spanish region to be awarded DOCa status in 1991:
| DOCa | Denominación de Origen Calificada |
|---|---|
| Rioja | Less than one year in Oak Barrel. |
| Crianza | Minimum 24 months aging. One year in Barrel. |
| Reserva | Minimum 36 months aging. One year in Barrel. |
| Gran Reserva | Minimum 60 months aging. Two years in Oak Barrel. |
About Tempranillo
Tempranillo is the third most planted grape in the world.
The name comes from Spanish "temprano" which means early and refers to early ripening.
Tempranillo aka Ull de Llebre, Cencibel, and Tinta del Pais in Spain. Aragonez or Tinta Roriz in Portugal.
Tempranillo is Spain`s noble grape variety, just like Cabernet Sauvignon is to France. It grows best in the cooler wine areas of Rioja and Ribera del Duero.
Wine made with Tempranillo grapes has a flavor of berries with medium acidity. During storing, Tempranillo can develop sweet, spicy, leather, or tobacco flavors.
Tempranillo wines are softer than Bordeax and dryer than Bourgogne wines. Medium acidity and moderate tannins make these wines tasty, easy to like and easy to pair with many types of food.
Wine Region Rioja
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Rioja is a famous wine region in the north-central part of Spain.
The region is best known for the red Rioja Wine.
Rioja is a blend of the indigenous grape of Spain, Tempranillo, along with other fruity additives like Garancha, Mazuelo, and Graciano.