Category Archives: Rioja

Regional Profile: Rioja

Posted on March 13, 2012 by stevie

Where: Rioja DOCa, north central Spain, boxed in by the Pyrenée Mountains to the northeast and the Cantabrians to the northwest, running roughly along the River Ebro. Rioja is broken up into three sub-regions: Alta, Baja and Alavesa (which spills … Continue reading →

Grape Files: Grenache

Posted on July 23, 2011 by laura

Color: Red   Grown in: Southern Rhône, Provence, Languedoc-Rousillon (France); Priorat, Navarra, La Mancha, Rioja (Spain); Sardinia (Italy); Australia; central California   A.K.A. Grenache Noir (when just called Grenache, it refers to the red variety; there’s also a white grape … Continue reading →

Grape Files: Macabeo

Posted on July 9, 2011 by laura

Color: White   Grown in: Penedès and Rioja (Spain); Roussillon (France); Languedoc (France)   A.K.A. Macabeu, Maccabéo (in Roussillon); Viura (in Rioja)   Profile: Macabeo reminds us of bright, glossy lemons, cantaloupe and green apples sliced thinly and scattered with … Continue reading →

Winery Profile: R. López de Heredia

Posted on May 17, 2011 by laura

Who: R. López de Heredia   What: Stalwart of Rioja Tradition (red, white and rosé)   Where: Haro (Rioja Alta, Spain) – Viña Tondonia, Viña Bosconia, Viña Zaconia, Viña Cubillo   Why: Because for well over 100 years, the López … Continue reading →

Grape Files: Tempranillo

Posted on April 23, 2011 by laura

Color: Red   Grown in: Spain and Portugal; occasionally other areas in the U.S.   Profile: Bright strawberry, red plum and spice notes, often tobacco-scented earthiness, with medium tannins. Appears to have the fruit of Pinot Noir, with the body … Continue reading →