Rioja

Question 1

La Rioja designation

Answer 1

• One of the world’s 1st demarcated wine regions in 1560
• Rioja DOCa
• the first appellation to receive the exclusive DOCa designation (1991)

Question 2

La Rioja Climate

Answer 2

-continental

Question 3

La Rioja location

Answer 3

• north central Spain
• in the Ebro Valley
• south of the Cantabrian Mountains
• Rioja DOCa mostly in La Rioja, extend into Navarra and Basque Country, From Haro in the northwest to Alfaro in the southeast

Question 4

Rioja DOCa three zones

Answer 4

• Rioja Alta most important
• Rioja Alaveza
• Rioja baja

Question 5

The name Rioja

Answer 5

The region’s name is a contraction of Rio Oja: Rioja

tributary of the Ebro river

Question 6

Rioja Alavesa

Answer 6

• the smallest, northernmost zone (País Vasco)
• Tempranillo here often produces vino joven wines for early consumption.
• Carbonic maceration may be employed for such wines.
• Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa share a similar soil structure, with a high proportion of calcareous clay

Question 7

Rioja Alta

Answer 7

-the southwestern zone
-with its slightly warmer climate the zone is capable of producing classic, ageworthy Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano.
Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa share a similar soil structure, with a high proportion of calcareous clay

Question 8

Rioja Baja

Answer 8

• the hottest subregion, (Navarra)
• contains more alluvial soils and ferrous clay
• Garnacha performs best in Rioja Baja’s hot climate
• largest

Question 9

Rioja oak treatment

Answer 9

• Traditional winemakers of the region age their wines in American oak barrels to extract the stronger flavors they afford
• US colonies allowed them easy access to American oak
• Small, French oak barrels are also widely used, and produce modern style of Rioja

Question 10

Rioja DOCa red grapes

Answer 10

• Principal Red Grape: Tempranillo

- Secondary Red Grapes: Garnacha, Mazuelo, Graciano, Maturana Tinta

Question 11

Rioja DOCa white grapes

Answer 11

• Principal White Grape: Viura
• Secondary White Grapes: Malvasía, Garnacha Blanca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Tempranillo Blanca, Maturana Blanca, Turruntés

Question 12

Rioja Alta producers

Answer 12

-López de Heredia
-La Rioja Alta
-Bodegas Muga
-Bodegas Roda
-CVNE
(Haro)

Question 13

Rioja DOCa Aging Requirements Red: Crianza

Answer 13

-Tinto: min. 2 years, including at least 1 year in oak

Question 14

Rioja DOCa Aging Requirements Red: Reserva

Answer 14

-Tinto: min. 3 years, including at least 1 year in oak

Question 15

Rioja DOCa Aging Requirements Red: Gran Reserva

Answer 15

-Tinto: min. 24 months in oak and 36 months in bottle (5yrs)

Question 16

Rioja DOCa Aging Requirements White: Crianza

Answer 16

-Blanco/Rosado: min. 2 years, including at least 6 months in oak (remainder may be in bottle, oak or stainless steel)

Question 17

Rioja DOCa Aging Requirements White: Reserva

Answer 17

-Blanco/Rosado: min. 2 years, including at least 6 months in oak (remainder must be in bottle or oak)

Question 18

Rioja DOCa Aging Requirements White: Gran Reserva

Answer 18

-Blanco/Rosado: min. 4 years, including at least 6 months in oak (remainder must be in bottle or oak)

Question 19

Spains first DO

Answer 19

Rioja in 1925

Question 20

Navarra Basics

Answer 20

• Borders Rioja

- known mostly for rosado wine, though red wine dominates production

Question 21

Navarra Red Grapes

Answer 21

– Garnacha
–Tempranillo
–Cabernet Sauvignon
–Merlot

Question 22

Navarra White Grapes

Answer 22

–Viura (Macabeo)
–Malvasia
–Chardonnay

Question 23

What are Navarra 5 sub-districts?

Answer 23

1. Tierra Estella
2. Valdizarbe
3. Baja Montaña
4. Ribera Alta
5. Ribera Baja