Rioja

Question 1

What five red grapes are required to make up a minimum of 85% of a blend of Rioja reds?

Answer 1

Tempranillo
Mazuelo (carignan)
Graciano
Garnacha
Maturana Tinta
(95% if destemmed)

Question 2

What is the dominant white grape in Rioja white blends?

Answer 2

Viura (Macabéo)

Question 3

What are the 9 permitted white grapes in Rioja white blends?

Answer 3

Viura
Garnacha Blanca
Malvasia Riojano
Maturana Blanca
Chardonnay
Tempranillo Blanco
Sauvignon Blanc
Turruntés
Verdejo

Question 4

What are the aging requirements for Rioja reds?

Answer 4

Crianza: Two years (one in cask)
Reserva: Three years (one in cask)
Gran Reserva: Five years (two in cask)

Question 5

What are the aging requirements for Rioja whites?

Answer 5

Crianza: 18 months
Reserva: 2 years
Gran Reserva: 4 years
minimum 6 months in cask

Question 6

What are the three sub regions of Rioja?

Answer 6

Rioja Alta
Rioja Alavesa
Rioja Oriental

Question 7

What soils are found in each of the sub regions of Rioja?

Answer 7

Rioja Alta and Alavesa: calcareous clay
Rioja Oriental: Alluvial and ferrous clay

Question 8

What stylistic contributions are typically made to the final wine from each sub region?

Answer 8

Alta: Acidity and structure
Alavesa: Freshness
Oriental: Alcohol and extraction

Question 9

What is required for single vineyard bottlings in Rioja?

Answer 9

Soil Assessment
35 year old vines
Estate operation for min. 10 years
Tasting panel

Question 10

What mountain range barricades the north of Rioja from Atlantic winds?

Answer 10

Sierra de Cantabria

Question 11

What mountain range does the majority of Rioja Oriental sit in?

Answer 11

Yerga Mountains

Question 12

Name 8 prominent producers in Rioja

Answer 12

López de Heredia
CVNE
La Rioja Alta
Muga
Roda
Marqués de Murrieta
Artadi
Remelluri

Question 13

What are the classifications and age requirements of Vino Espumoso de Calidad de Rioja?

Answer 13

Crianza - 15 months sur lie
Reserva - 24 months
Gran Añada - 36 months