Rioja – Spain’s most famous wine region and its culinary treasures

The Rioja wine region is the heart of Spanish viticulture and world-famous for its expressive red wines. Characterized by a centuries-old wine tradition, diverse terroirs and exquisite regional cuisine, Rioja embodies the perfect combination of enjoyment, history and culture.

History and cultural significance

Wine culture in Rioja dates back to Roman times, when the first vines were cultivated in the 2nd century BC. However, the real heyday began in the 19th century, when French winegrowers – fleeing the phylloxera crisis in Bordeaux – further developed their winemaking skills in Rioja. They brought with them new techniques such as ageing in oak barrels, which are still the hallmark of Rioja wines today.

Today, Rioja is one of the few wine regions in Spain with the highest quality seal DOCa (Denominación de Origen Calificada) and stands for first-class, characterful wines that are appreciated worldwide.

Rioja as a wine region

Rioja is particularly known for its Tempranillo-based wines, which develop an impressive complexity through ageing in oak barrels. The region is divided into three sub-zones, each with different climatic conditions and soils:

• Rioja Alta – Cool, high-altitude vineyards with elegant, finely structured wines.

• Rioja Alavesa – Wines characterized by limestone soils with intense fruit and freshness.

• Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) – Warmer, stronger wines with high ripeness.

Classification of Rioja wines:

• Joven – Fresh, fruity wines with no or only short barrel ageing.

• Crianza – Matured for at least 2 years, including 1 year in oak barrels.

• Reserva – Matured for at least 3 years, including 1 year in the barrel and 2 years in the bottle.

• Gran Reserva – Matured for at least 5 years, including 2 years in the barrel and 3 years in the bottle.

These different degrees of ripeness give Rioja wines an impressive range of aromas, from young and fruity to deep and complex.

Culinary treasures of Rioja

Rioja’s cuisine is down-to-earth, aromatic and closely linked to the regional wines. It is based on high-quality ingredients such as lamb, peppers, beans and wild mushrooms, which are used in hearty dishes to create unique taste experiences.

Typical dishes from Rioja:

• Patatas a la Riojana – potatoes with chorizo in a spicy paprika and tomato sauce.

• Chuletillas al Sarmiento – lamb chops grilled over old vines.

• Bacalao a la Riojana – cod in a hearty tomato and bell pepper sauce.

• Pimientos rellenos – roasted peppers stuffed with meat or fish.

• Peras al Vino Tinto – Pears poached in red wine, a sweet finish with a regional touch.

The connection between food and wine

In Rioja, wine is not a drink, but a way of life. The intense fruit, fine spice and silky tannins of Tempranillo wines harmonize perfectly with the hearty dishes of the region. A classic pairing is Crianza with lamb chops or a Reserva with bacalao a la Riojana. The versatility of Rioja wines makes them ideal companions for the multifaceted Spanish cuisine.

Top 10 recipes from La Rioja with wine recommendations