Rioja

The heartland of quality winemaking in Spain, Rioja is split into 3 sub-regions; Rioja Alta, Alavesa and Baja. The wines are made principally from the Tempranillo grape with other grape varieties often blended in small quantities and then matured in American oak barrels. Modern Riojas tend to be fresh and fruit-driven in style rather than the more old-fashioned 'woody' style.