Rioja Oriental

Rioja

The warmest, driest stretch of Rioja, east and south of Logroño along the Ebro towards Navarra. Mediterranean influence pushes ripening earlier and harder, and Garnacha rather than Tempranillo is the historic grape — concentrated, plush reds with darker fruit and lower acidity than the Alta or Alavesa. Re-named from Rioja Baja in 2018 to shed the inferior connotation, the Oriental is now home to some of Spain's most exciting old-vine Garnacha projects, especially around Aldeanueva de Ebro, Alfaro and Tudelilla. Bodegas Ontañón, Palacios Remondo (Álvaro Palacios's family estate) and Bodegas Faustino sit here.

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

Vineyard Map

Loading map...

Add Rioja Oriental to your Discoveries. When you taste one, you can tick it off.

Terroir & Character

Climate

The driest, sunniest stretch of the DOCa, with Mediterranean influence pushing budbreak and harvest earlier than in the Alta or Alavesa. Re-named from Rioja Baja in 2018.

Terroir

AlluvialClayChalkIron-rich loam

Alluvial terraces along the Ebro give way to iron-rich red clay and chalky outcrops in the foothills toward the Sierra de Yerga. Lower-altitude sites between 300 and 500 metres dominate.

Typical Aromas

black cherryblackberryfigraisingarriguecocoasmoked spiceleather

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 Oriental?▼

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

What soils are found in Rioja Oriental?▼

Rioja Oriental sits on alluvial, clay, chalk, iron-rich loam 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)