Do you know them all?: Rioja can only consist of these grape varieties

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Rioja wines are in greater demand than ever. In 2021, 6 million bottles of Spanish cult wine, approximately 0.75 liters, were drunk across Switzerland. But vibrant aromas and flavors, a solid price-performance ratio and good storage stability are only part of the secret to Rioja’s success.

One of the most important characteristics of Rioja is the grape varieties used. Similar to Bordeaux, wines are almost always a blend of grape varieties, creating complexity and excitement. Across the entire Rioja wine-producing region, dark grape varieties account for nearly 90 percent of all plantings, but only five are currently permitted for red wine.

The grape variety known as Grenache noir in France has a significant share of around ten percent. Red Riojas often contain some Garnacha, as the variety provides variety with red fruity aromas, a small amount of tannin, and a slightly higher alcohol content. Some manufacturers also offer pure Garnacha Riojas.

Especially in warm years, wineries like to use Graciano because this grape variety contributes to the freshness of the wine with its relatively high acidity. As with Garnacha, there are several wineries here that evoke pure Graciano in the bottle. Graciano ripens late in the season and has high resistance to drought and mildew.

Jura fans know that Maturana Tinta is the same grape variety as Trousseau. Like Graciano, this red Rioja variety gives more freshness with its crisp acidity. It can also contribute deep color, delicate fruit aromas and green pepper notes.

You don’t know the name of this grape variety, but have you ever heard of Carignan or Cariñena? Mazuelo is exactly the same variety known by a different name in Rioja. Fresh Mazuelo acid is a welcome Rioja component that gives the wine greater freshness and vitality.

Accounting for almost 90 percent of all red grape varieties grown in Rioja, Tempranillo is the undisputed number one. With red and dark fruit aromas, floral notes and tannins, Tempranillo has been providing the classic Rioja essential character for decades. Tinto de Toro, Tinto fino or Cencibel are other Spanish names referring to the Tempranillo grape variety.

Source : Blick