Rioja

The word “Rioja” is a derivation of the two words “Rio” (River) and “Oja” (name of a tributary of the Ebro, located near the region’s southwestern boundary
Between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean and contains both the Cantabria and Demanda mountain ranges
Ebro river winds through the region
Produces the majority its red wines from the Tempranillo grape along with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano (which are often used for blending with Tempranillo)
Viura is the dominant white grape grown in the Rioja region (white only accounts for about 10% of Rioja’s total wine production)
Rioja wines with the DOCa seal are made with grapes grown not only in Rioja, but also in some parts of Navarre and the Basque province of Álava
Three sub-regions or districts: the two cooler climates of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa and the warmer region of Rioja Baja
Rioja Alta, on the western edge of the region and at a high elevation, produces wines that are typically full-bodied with medium alcohol content
Rioja Alavesa, with the highest elevation of the region, is typically known for producing wines that are lighter and aromatic
Rioja Baja, on the southern edge of the region and at a lower elevation than Alta and Alavesa, produces wines that are deep in color and fruitier in taste