Feliz Rioja
We’re now into the last week of “Feliz Rioja”, a month-long celebration held every November, dedicated to showcasing the exceptional wines from the Rioja region of Spain. This event takes place across various venues in the UK, including independent retailers, restaurants, and wine bars. The festival aims to highlight the diversity and quality of Rioja wines, offering consumers the chance to sample a wide range of wines, from young and fruity to aged and complex. In St Albans, Penny and her team at Cellar Door wines are leading the way in celebrating with a wide range of Rioja wines ready to taste in store.
Rioja is one of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, known for its rich history, diverse terroir, and exceptional winemaking traditions. Here’s a closer look at what makes Rioja wines so special:
Rioja is divided into three distinct sub-regions, each with its own unique climate and soil composition: Rioja Alta: Known for its higher altitude and cooler climate, Rioja Alta produces wines with great aging potential and balanced acidity. Rioja Alavesa: This sub-region is characterized by its limestone-rich soils and produces wines with a pronounced minerality and elegance. Rioja Oriental: The warmest of the three regions, Rioja Oriental is known for producing fuller-bodied wines with ripe fruit flavours.
Rioja wines are made from a variety of grapes, each contributing to the region’s diverse wine styles: Tempranillo: The most widely planted grape in Rioja, known for its versatility and ability to produce wines with a perfect balance of fruit, structure, and aging potential. Garnacha (Grenache): Adds body and fruitiness to blends, often used in rosé wines. Graciano: Known for its deep colour and strong aroma, it adds complexity and longevity to Rioja wines. Mazuelo (Carignan): Contributes acidity and tannins, enhancing the structure of the wine. Viura (Macabeo): The primary white grape variety, producing fresh and aromatic white wines.
Winemakers and Classifications of Rioja Wines
Rioja is home to nearly 600 wineries, ranging from historic, family-run estates to modern, innovative producers. Each winery brings its own unique approach to winemaking, contributing to the rich tapestry of Rioja wines. Visitors to the region can enjoy exclusive tastings, vineyard tours, and immersive experiences that highlight the passion and craftsmanship behind every bottle.
Rioja wines are classified based on their aging process, which influences their flavour profile and complexity. Crianza: Wines aged for at least two years, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels, offering a balance of fruit and oak flavours. Reserva: Wines aged for at least three years, with a minimum of one year in oak barrels, known for their complexity and depth. Gran Reserva: Wines aged for at least five years, with a minimum of two years in oak barrels and three years in the bottle, representing the pinnacle of Rioja winemaking with rich, layered flavours.
This month I’ve partnered with Rioja Wine and Cellar Door Wines to bring you the most amazing range of Rioja wines which will delight Rioja lovers and convert those who may have never tried them before.
Jesús Madrazo Num. IV Rioja 2020 (£29.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
Jesús Madrazo Real de Asua comes from one of the founding families of Compania Vinicola del Norte Espana (CVNE). His father, José, co-founded Contino in 1973, establishing the first single estate in Rioja. In 1995, Jesús, a fifth-generation member of CVNE’s founding family, joined as a winemaker in Haro.
By 1999, he had become the Senior Winemaker at Contino Estate, where he gained global recognition and created Spain’s first-ever 100% Graciano wine. In 2017, Jesús left Contino to seek new challenges and started his own business. I first connected with Jesús when he responded to my Instagram post about a 1974 vintage Contino Rioja – it was the first ever vintage produced by Contino and was made by his father.
When talking about his own wine, Num. IV Rioja 2020, he explained, “After a manual harvest, we separated and destemmed the bunches immediately upon their arrival at the winery. We sourced the Tempranillo, Maturana, and Merlot grapes from selected plots. These are high in the La Rioja Alta subzone, around the village of Cuzcurrita del Rio Tirón. We obtained the Graciano and Garnacha grapes from old family friends in the Rioja Oriental subzone. We continued the subsequent ageing in these barrels (50% French and 50% American) for 15 months before blending and first bottling in July 2023. This year, I reintroduced some Maturana back into the blend, which added a balanced tannic character and a bright freshness. I still use some of my friend Barbara Palacios’ Merlot (although just 2% this year, and I still cannot mention it on the label!)”.
This is a knockout Rioja and on the back of enjoying this with salt aged sirloin steak, I’ve just ordered the 2021 vintage.
Hacienda el Ternero ‘La Pera’ Rioja Blanco 2022 (£15.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
Hacienda el Ternero, located in the picturesque Rioja Alta region, boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century. Originally part of a monastery, the estate now spans 250 hectares of vineyards and forests, situated at an impressive altitude of 700 meters. This unique setting, combined with careful hand-harvesting and vine choice, allows Hacienda el Ternero to craft wines that truly embody the essence of their land.
One of their notable offerings is the ‘La Pera’ Rioja Blanco 2022. This wine is a delightful blend of Tempranillo Blanco, Viura, Garnacha Blanca, and Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are sourced from the estate’s younger vineyards, which thrive at nearly 700 meters above sea level, contributing to the wine’s fresh and lively character.
It presents an enticing mix of tropical fruits, ripe peach, and blood orange, creating a fragrant and inviting aroma. The palate follows through with balanced acidity that enhances the fresh, fruity flavours, leading to a long and satisfying finish.
Rioja Crianza Bodegas Luis Canas 2020 (£16.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
In the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Bodegas Luis Cañas stands as a testament to centuries of winemaking tradition. This family-owned winery, with over two centuries of history, has become a beacon of quality and innovation in the region. Established in 1928 by Luis Cañas, the winery initially focused on producing young wines. However, a significant transformation occurred in 1989 when Juan Luis Cañas took over, steering the winery towards crafting high-quality, aged wines that have since captivated wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The Rioja Crianza 2020 is a stellar example of the winery’s dedication to excellence. This wine is predominantly made from Tempranillo (95%) with a touch of Garnacha (5%), sourced from vines that are over 30 years old. The vineyards, found on terraced hillsides and protected by the Sierra Cantabria mountains, benefit from a unique microclimate that enhances the quality of the grapes.
A beautifully balanced Rioja, showcasing flavours of cherry, blackberry, and sweet spices, with a smooth, velvety texture and gentle tannins.
Bodegas Luis Canas Finca El Palacio Rioja 2018 (£59.95 from Cellar Door Wines)
The Finca El Palacio Rioja 2018 is a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence. This wine is crafted from a blend of Tempranillo (75%), Graciano (20%), and Viura (5%) grapes, sourced from a single plot in Villabuena. The vineyard, planted in 1969, features three terraces with varying orientations and slopes, contributing to the wine’s complexity and depth.
The palate is impressive, with flavours of dark berries, spices, and a touch of earthiness. The wine’s well-balanced acidity and fine tannins create a smooth, velvety texture, leading to a long, expressive finish that highlights the mineral character of the terroir.
It’s a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Its rich flavours and balanced acidity make it an excellent companion for red meats, such as lamb and beef steak. It also complements fatty fish like salmon and pairs well with a selection of cheeses, enhancing the dining experience.
Rioja Manoso Gran Reserva 2015 (£22.45 from Cellar Door Wines)
In the esteemed Rioja Alavesa region, Bodegas Ruiz de Viñaspre has proven itself as a producer of exceptional wines that embody both tradition and innovation. This family-owned winery, with a deep-rooted history in viticulture, has consistently delivered wines that capture the essence of their unique terroir.
The Rioja Manoso Gran Reserva 2015 is a prime example of the winery’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. This wine is predominantly made from Tempranillo grapes, sourced from vines that are over 60 years old. The vineyards, found on terraced hillsides, benefit from a unique microclimate that enhances the quality of the grapes.
This Gran Reserva offers an expressive bouquet of dried fruits, vanilla, and toasty oak, a result of its extended aging process. The palate is equally impressive, with flavours of ripe red berries, spices, and a hint of earthiness. The wine’s well-balanced acidity and fine tannins create a smooth, velvety texture, leading to a long, satisfying finish.
Another versatile wine that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its rich flavours and balanced acidity make it an excellent companion for red meats, such as lamb and beef. It also complements aged cheeses and hearty stews, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner.
For me, Rioja isn’t just for celebrating during November, its one of my all year round favourites and if you’re into your travelling then Rioja is a wonderful place to explore.