With the leaves turned and falling and the nights drawing in, autumn calls for comfort and warmth. Whether you’re enjoying a hearty roast, or even just curled up on the sofa in front of the fire, the wines of Rioja offer the perfect company!
24th November 2020 | Top Drops | 3 minute read
Warming Rioja Reds for Autumn and Winter
The Famous Region of Rioja
Rioja is located in northern Spain along the banks of the River Ebro, sheltered from the cooling influence of the Atlantic by the Sierra Cantabria to the north. The region is renowned for producing some of Spain’s finest wines and has something to offer everyone with an array of wine styles to explore.
Tempranillo is the grape variety that dominates the red wines of Rioja. Depending on the style, it will fly solo or be blended with Garnacha, Graciano or Carignan (known in Spain as Mazuelo).
Classic Red Rioja Styles
Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja wines are among some of the world’s finest and longest lived wines. While they are released from the winery ready to drink, these classic Spanish reds will also happily age further in bottle.
Rioja Reserva wines spend at least three years ageing before release, and will display great depth and character, evolving gracefully over time. While Gran Reserva wines must spend at least five years at the winery, of which at least two years are spent in oak. These are the most traditional and highest regarded Riojas, ranking among the finest wines in the world.
Food-Friendly Wines
Rioja is Spain’s gastronomic heartland, and its wines pair well with a wide range of both Spanish and international dishes. Reserva and Gran Reserva of course lend themselves to different food matches, so here are some of our favourite recommendations!
Reserva Rioja
A hearty roast pork or lamb is definitely in order here! Reserva wines are bold enough to stand up to richer meats so they are the perfect choice for a flavoursome red meat Sunday roast dinner. Try the La Rioja Alta S.A. Tina 9 Rioja Reserva or Bodegas Amaren Rioja Reserva for your pork and lamb dishes, aged cheeses and chorizo.
Gran Reserva Rioja
These Rioja wines pair wonderfully with rich stews and roast game, particularly pheasant. Try the Finca Manzanos Rioja Gran Reserva Alta Expression for its judicious use of wood for ageing, flavour and texture. A truly top-of-the-range Gran Reserva.
Try Our Rioja Wines
So, if you fancy stocking up on some luscious Rioja reds for those cosy autumn nights in, browse our full range of Rioja wines to get your fix.
