On Deck: Rioja

Time for a fiesta ladies! Jody is hosting our next meeting at her home in the Dupont Circle neighborhood (see e-vite for specifics) on Monday, November 16th at 7:00 PM. She has selected Rioja as her theme.



Rioja wines are normally a blend of various grape varieties, and can be either red (tinto), white (blanco) or rosé (rosado). So pick your favorite and come on by with your tasting notes or other facts.



Located south of the Cantabrian Mountains, La Rioja benefits from a continental climate. The mountains help isolate the region and have a moderating effect on the climate. They also protect the vineyards from the fierce winds that are typical of northern Spain.



Rioja red wines are classified into four categories: 1) Rioja is the youngest, spending less than a year in an oak aging barrel; 2) Crianza is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak; 3) Rioja Reserva is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak; 4) Rioja Gran Reserva have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle. Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are not produced each year and the designation might appear on the front label but may be stamped on the neck or back label.