Rioja Rosado and Blanco: Spanish Pinks and Whites for Spring

Rioja is a region which has been at the heart of winemaking for centuries gone by. It’s fair to say winemakers here are amongst the best in the world and really know a thing or two about high-quality vino. White and rosé wine  may be produced in far smaller quantities compared to reds, however without a doubt, they are equally as diverse and made with the same expertise and passion in which this region is known for.

White wines account for around 10% of the regions production with just over 6,000 hectares dedicated to growing white grape varieties. Viura is a local variety and the most commonly grown in the region, which is no surprise considering under the appellation regulations, white wines produced here are required to be a minimum of 51% Viura. This grape is a unique varietal which is loved for its versatility, due to its ability to be aged for many years but also drunk young and fresh. Whites here can often be 100% Viura, however blends are also common. Five other local varieties are allowed under the DO, including Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca, Tempranillo Blanca, Maturana Blanca and Turruntés. However, over recent years, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo have also been added to the list of permitted varieties, allowing for even more diversity within the region.

White wines from Rioja often take on two distinct styles, with the main difference being down to the ageing. Many wines are released the year after vintage and are therefore extremely fresh. The aromas of the wine are often clean and citrusy, with a light body and beautifully delicate palate. Alternatively, whites here can be aged for many years. The Viura grape is the perfect candidate for oak ageing, with some being in barrels for up to 15 years! The ageing of whites in Rioja creates a distinct nutty flavour with a much fuller body and richer style of wine.

When it comes to rosé, or rosado as its known locally, there really are some hidden gems to be found. Most rosé in this region is produced from Tempranillo or Garnacha – the two most common black grapes produced in Rioja. As a result the wines are often a little darker in colour and generally slightly brighter and richer in flavour compared to rosé produced elsewhere in the world. Generally you can expect to still find a freshness to them and plenty of bright, red berry flavours on the palate, making the wines deliciously drinkable and food friendly, perfect for your outdoor gatherings this spring and summer. Rosé here however can also be aged, generally for short periods of time. This can help to soften the wine and create a more complex flavour profile.

Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a picnic in the park or a garden party with friends; whites and rosés from Rioja are the ultimate food friendly vinos, and are real crowd pleasers when it comes to entertaining. With so much variety, there is a whole host of foods and cuisines that these wines pair beautifully with.

Pairing Spanish wine with Spanish food is a great place to start. A bottle of oak aged Viura with a selection of Spanish tapas is a match made in heaven. Tapas is a sociable food and perfect for entertaining. The versatility of whites from Rioja make them the ultimate match as they have the ability to pair with a wide array of tapas style dishes, from garlic and chilli prawns (known as Gambas) to patatas bravas or chorizo.

Fish is also a great match for white Rioja, with white fish being ideal for those lighter bodied, fresher wines. Or if you are looking to ‘wow’ then lobster makes an exceptional pair with those richer varieties due to it’s meatier texture.

Sometimes spring evenings call for something light and fragrant such as a fresh salad. Reach for a bottle of unoaked rosado here for a cracking combo. The freshness of the wine compliments the bright salad, and doesn’t overpower the very delicate flavours. If you wanted to add some grilled chicken then this would also compliment the wine as the mild flavours of the meat  would work in harmony with the freshness of the rosé.

On our website you’ll discover a huge range of wines from Rioja, all of which have been handpicked by our lovely team of wine buyers to make sure they are of the highest quality. Two of the finest examples of just what Rioja has to offer when it comes to whites and rosés are the Finca Manzanos Seleccion de la Familia Rioja Blanco 2020 and the Finca Manzanos Rioja Rosado 2020. Both produced at the Manzanos Family Estate, by wine maker Boja Ripa, these two wines have been produced by a family with six generations of winemaking experience. The white Viura blend is bright yellow in colour and is exploding with apricot on the nose. The palate is well-rounded with hints of grapefruit and soft pear, with a lingering finish of stone fruit. The rosé is a Ganarcha and Tempranillo blend which has been aged for a short period of time in oak to complete the wine, bringing together the fruit and natural freshness. Expect bright red fruit flavours of strawberry and raspberry, complimented by citrus notes.

If you are looking for something with a little more ageing, check out the Bodegas Amaren Rioja Blanco 2018 from Rioja’s most sought after sub-region, Alavesa. Produced by winemaker Fidel Fernández Góme, this Viura blend has spent a little longer in oak creating a smooth wine with a complex palate of citrus flavours, with hints of pineapple and even tobacco pipe smoke, followed by an extremely elegant finish.

Of course, our range doesn’t end there! Check out all of our wines from Rioja by hitting the big red button below.