The wines of Rioja are characterised by their elegance, complexity and ageing potential. Rioja wines typically have aromas of red fruit, leather, spices and vanilla due to the oak barrel ageing. They have well-integrated tannins, balanced acidity and can gain complexity over time.
The Rioja wine region is located in the north of Spain, along the Ebro River, and stretches across the regions of La Rioja, Navarre and the Basque Country. The region is divided into three main areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental.
The climatic conditions in Rioja vary: In the west, it is characterised by an Atlantic climate, which is wetter and cooler, while in the east it is more continental and drier.
