Rioja Alta

Rioja

The traditional heart of Rioja, west of Logroño on the Ebro's south bank and stretching up into the Sierra de la Demanda. Higher and cooler than the rest of the DOCa, with chalky, iron-rich clay over limestone. Classic, structured Tempranillo blended in the old way with a little Graciano and Mazuelo, raised for years in American oak. The town of Haro and its Barrio de la Estación, with seven historic bodegas next to one another by the railway, is the postcard image of traditional Rioja — La Rioja Alta, López de Heredia (Viña Tondonia), CVNE, Muga, Bodegas Bilbaínas (Viña Pomal), Roda and La Rioja Alta. Around them a newer generation (Contino, Artadi's Rioja Alta cellars) works at the single-vineyard scale.

The wines of Rioja Alta are made primarily from Grenache, Rioja Blend, Tempranillo.

Vineyard Map

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Terroir & Character

Climate

Continental at the core with strong Atlantic influence funnelling down the Ebro valley. Cool nights, fresh acidity and a long ripening curve favour structure and age-worthiness over power.

Terroir

Chalky clayIron-rich clayLimestoneAlluvial

Chalky and iron-rich clay over limestone bedrock with alluvial terraces along the Ebro. The highest, coolest sites of the DOCa climb into the foothills of the Sierra de la Demanda.

Typical Aromas

red cherryplumsweet tobaccovanilladillcedarleatherdried fig

Explore the aroma wheel

Grapes of Rioja

Grenache

Garnacha in Rioja

strawberryplumred cherrywhite pepper

The backbone of Rioja blends with Tempranillo. Adds flesh and warmth.

Rioja Blend

cherryplumvanillaleather

Traditional Rioja is defined by extended oak aging and Tempranillo-led blends

Tempranillo

Cencibel in Rioja

strawberryraspberryplumcherry

Spain's noble grape, softened by oak ageing. Cherry and plum lifted by American oak's vanilla, coconut, and dill, mellowing into leather and cedar over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes grow in Rioja Alta?▼

The main grapes in Rioja Alta (Rioja) include Grenache, Rioja Blend, Tempranillo.

What soils are found in Rioja Alta?▼

Rioja Alta sits on chalky clay, iron-rich clay, limestone, alluvial soils, which contribute to the distinctive character of its wines.

Map data: MAPA (Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación) · Municipio boundaries © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)