2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Rioja / Rioja / are called high quality wines that are produced from varieties grown in the eponymous wine region in Spain. Traditionally, these wines are red, but sometimes white wines can come out of Rioja. The famous wine region is located about a hundred kilometers from the Atlantic coast and about 300 kilometers from Madrid. The climate here is mild and favorable for the successful development of vineyards.
Rioja is one of the wine regions in Spain that has DOC status. It is proof of the controlled designation of origin of the wines. The varieties that grow in this area and give red wines are Tempranillo and Garnacha inta. White wines can be obtained from the varieties Viura, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca.
The three main subzones of Rioja are Rioja Alta / Rioja Alta /, Rioja Alavesa / Rioja Alavesa / and Rioja Baja / Rioja Baha /. Rioja Alta is located in the western part of the region at a higher level compared to other subzones, which leads to a shorter growing season for vines. The vineyards grown in this area give light wines, characterized by fruity aromas.
Although Rioja Alavesa has a similar climate to Rioja Alta, the wines produced in this subzone have a higher acidity and a denser body. The vineyards in the area are arranged in rows that have a large distance between them. This location of the plantations is due to the poor soil, which could not feed the vines if they are located densely.
Unlike the other two subzones, Rioja Baja is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean climate, which makes the place the driest and warmest place in Rioja. During the hot summer months, temperatures usually amount to around 35 degrees. The grapes from this region give red wines with a high alcohol content.
History of Rioja
The lands on which the modern wine region extends have been occupied by vineyards since ancient times. Even then, the Romans used special barrels to store the collected material. After the appearance of many religious temples in the area, winemaking began to become more widespread.
With great glory, however, the red wine of Rioja acquired much later in the seventeenth century. A century later, the first company was formed to represent the interests of the wine communities in Rioja. Then wooden barrels began to be used in the wine region.
Characteristic of Rioja
Although the wines that are produced in Rioja, differ to some extent, their appearance can still be generalized. Red wines have a fruity taste reminiscent of small fruits such as strawberries and raspberries. At the same time, they have well-defined pronounced vanilla notes, which are obtained as a result of aging the grape elixirs in oak barrels.
White wines can be divided into two main groups. One has a simple taste, obtained by cold fermentation. In the other variety we have a wine whose fermentation temperature is not kept low. This type of white wine has a strong vanilla taste. Its color is intensely golden. If the two wines are mixed, a wine with a delicate vanilla charm and fruity aroma is obtained.
Serving Rioja
Both red and white wines from Rioja should be slightly chilled before serving. The optimal temperature for reds is 18 degrees, and for whites - from 8 to 10 degrees, if they are very young. Matured white wines can be cooled to 12 degrees. After cooling, they should be poured into wine glasses made of glass. Red wines are poured into a classic red wine glass, and for whites, the universal white wine glass will do.
The choice of glass is of great importance when serving quality wine, as the shape of the vessel reveals not only the rich attractive color of the drink, but also its captivating taste and aroma. When offering our guests a glass of wine, we should not try to make the container completely full of liquid. The label requires only half (or 2/3) of the cup to be filled. Rioja wine is also drunk slowly and in small sips. In this way the consumer will be able to feel the full charm of the drink.
In terms of food with which to combine both types of wine from Rioja, there is nothing strictly specific. You just have to follow the rule that light white wine is eaten at the beginning of the evening and can be combined with fresh salads, candied fruits or desserts. You can combine it very easily with a fruit salad or with desserts such as Belgian waffles, Coconut Pie and Easy Cake.
Red wines from Rioja they are served as the evening progresses. They are traditionally combined with beef, veal, lamb and pork. Among the specialties you can serve with the wine are Spanish Beef, Veal Ragout, Arabic Kebab and Pork Rolls.
The red wine from Rioja some dairy products are also very suitable for him. Gourmets usually combine it with soft and delicate cheeses such as Limburger and Münster. If you have a mature grape elixir, you can also bet on Gruyere and Edam.
