La Rioja Flashcards
Where is La Rioja located?
North Central Spain
What is the climate of La Rioja?
Continental overall
Climate varies by subzone:
Alta is continental
Alavesa is coolest & wettest
Orientale is Mediterranean
What are the important geographical features of Rioja?
Cantabrian mountains create rainshadow.
Cantabrian & Pyrenee foothills provide aspect
Ebro river moderates temperatures.
What are Rioja’s important soils?
Calcareous clay, Ferrous clay, alluvial
What unique winemaking practices are common in Rioja?
Use of american oak
Carbonic masceration for joven wines
What are the subzones of La Rioja DOCa?
Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Orientale
What kinds of wine are made in La RIoja?
Dry reds based on tempranillo
Dry whites based on Viura
What are the primary & secondary grapes of La Rioja?
Red: Tempranillo, Garnacha (Mazuelo, Graciano)
White: Viura (Malvasia, Garnacha Blanca)
What is the unique term for single vineyard wines?
Viñedo Singular
What is the spanish term used in Rioja for a wine not subject to extended aging prior to release?
Joven
What are the aging requirements for Rioja Tinto?
Crianza: 2 years total, 1 year oak
Reserva: 3 years total, 1 year oak
Gran Reserva: 5 years total, 1 year oak
Are rosés made in la rioja?
Yes, rosado is made here
Why does La Rioja typically use american over french oak?
It’s cheaper, and thanks to Spain’s american colonies, they always had access to it.
Why does the wine culture of La Rioja mirror that of Bordeaux?
Bordeaux vintners like Marques de Murietta & Marques de Riscal migrated in the mid 19th century, fleeing phyloxera & oidium, and brought their winemaking traditions and best practices with them.
What is the traditionalist vs modernist approach in La Rioja?
Traditionally rioja is an aged wine significant american oak influence.
Modern producers are releasing younger, fresher, fruitier wines, and rejecting terms like crianza/reserva/gran reserva as old fashioned.
