Spain
Rioja
Northern Spain along the Ebro river, sheltered by mountains, with three sub-zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. Famous for ageing its wines before release.
Climate
Mixed: Atlantic influence in the west, warmer and drier to the east.
Wines to know
- Rioja Joven
- Crianza
- Reserva
- Gran Reserva
- White and rosado Rioja
Visiting
Haro's station district has old bodegas side by side; walled Laguardia sits above cellars cut into the rock. Book visits ahead, especially at weekends.
Producers
Bodega Hermanos SolanoHaro · Family bodega, about 20 hectaresTwo brothers keeping the old Rioja style alive: long ageing in American oak, released when ready.Bodegas Arroyo ViejoLaguardia · Small bodega, about 12 hectaresWines aged in a cellar cut into the rock under the old town.Viñedos La SierraBriones · Family estate, about 10 hectaresOld-vine Garnacha and a bright rosado from the hills above the Ebro.