Rioja is one of those rare wine regions that offers wine lovers the reassuring comfort of familiarity along with the appeal of fresh discoveries, just as it marries deep-rooted historic tradition with a forward-thinking pioneering spirit.
It is best famed for its Tempranillo-led red wines, typically aged in American or French oak for at least a year (as with its Crianza style) and often in the bottle for considerably longer to draw out its savoury nuances (as with Reserva and Gran Reserva). Many modern styles are looking less to the influence of that oak and more to the expression of the vibrant fruit itself, in younger and often unoaked ‘Generico’ styles. Rioja also produces fruit-driven rosés and diverse white wines that range from fresh and fragrant to rich and nutty.
All of this makes Rioja the perfect pick this Christmas, whether you want crowd-pleasers to elevate the traditional festive dinner into the ultimate comfort food affair, or are seeking a refreshing choice to pique appetites or freshen palates at an elegant gathering. It’s even got those in-between days covered, perfect for casual catch-ups with the best of old friends, as well as the final blow-out of a New Year’s Eve meal to remember.
1. Faustino VII Viura 2020
Fresh and balanced with clean orchard fruit, zesty citrus and a touch of herbaceous character, this approachable unoaked Viura will make a refreshing aperitif or party-friendly pairing for seafood bites, tangy goat cheese nibbles and herb-scented dips.
€12.49, 12%, SuperValu
2. Tierra Rioja Blanco 2019
A blend of Grenache Blanc, Malvasia and Viura from Rioja Alavesa, barrel-fermented and matured for four months in French and American oak barrels, this rich, complex white will work as well with seafood starters as with the roast Christmas bird itself, thanks to notes of honeyed white flowers, vanilla-scented and apricot and pineapple and a smoky, nutty finish.
€19.75, 14%, curiouswines.ie
3. Conde de Valdemar Rosé 2019
Elegant and food-friendly, this Grenache-led blush-pink rosé strikes a delicate balance between expressive peach, fragrant red fruit and ripe citrus character with subtle spice and floral notes; a versatile choice for smoked fish starters or complex vegetable soups as well as fish-based tapas dishes.
€16, 12%, wineonline.ie
4. Viña Ilusion Joven 2019
Vibrant and pure, reflecting the organic farming of Bodega Martin Alonso's tiny 5ha mixed-crop plot at 700m in the eastern sub-region of Rioja Oriental, this refreshing and unoaked Tempranillo blend has a warm heart of black fruit lifted by bright red fruit and floral notes; perfect for tapas-style nibbles of pan con tomate, cured meats, hard cheeses and vegetable dips, or even that essential turkey and cranberry sandwich.
€18, 13.5%, siyps.com
5. La Hoja Crianza 2018
From the cooler climes of Rioja Alavesa in the north-west of the region, and with a touch of white Viura grapes to keep things light and fresh, this expressive Crianza has enjoyed 12 months ageing in new French and American oak barrels to enrich the redcurrant and black cherry fruit with nutmeg, vanilla and cocoa; just the thing to enliven a hearty paella or risotto, or pair with roast lamb and all the trimmings.
€15.99, 13.5%, rednosewine.com
6. Lan Reserva 2015
Tempranillo-led with a just touch of Graciano from top vineyards in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, and aged in French oak heads with American oak staves, this complex and velvety Reserva retains plenty of juicy fruit freshness under all that sweet oak spice and earthy warmth; a versatile food pairing for rich wintry dishes or mildly spiced hotpots through to roast birds.
€22.95, 13.5%, latouchewines4u.ie
7. Viña Ardanza Reserva Selección 2012
A celebrated take on the traditional Rioja style, this is full-bodied, polished and silky textured with a long intense finish, marrying sweet-spiced plum and wild berries with earthy notes of undergrowth, tobacco and leather; pair with Massaman-style curries, sweet-spiced tagines or earthy mushroom-based dishes.
€35.95, 13.5%, mitchellandson.com
8. Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2014
Hailing from premium Cenicero vineyards in La Rioja Alta subregion, and aged for two years in half French and half American oak before another three years in the bottle, this is a wine worth decanting to best express the tobacco and spice notes, balsamic aromas and dried fruit finish; a fine choice for the Christmas feast with all the trimmings.
€27, 13.5%, whelehanswines.ie
9. Bodegas Riojanas Monte Real Gran Reserva 2014
From the historic Bodegas Riojanas, a complex and elegant Tempranillo with polished tannins, aged for at least two years in American oak to layer sweet-savoury spice over its rich red and black fruit, and aged another three years in the bottle. Perfect to carry you from jamon through roast lamb, game or poultry to mature hard cheese.
€33.95, 14%, obrienswine.ie
10. Señorío de Rondan Gran Reserva 2008
Tempranillo-led with Garnacha and Graciano giving it flesh and freshness, this elegantly structured and well-developed Gran Reserva infuses rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with vanilla and subtle leather notes; think roast game birds such as pigeon, pheasant or goose, or rich slow-cooked meat stews.
€44.25, 13.5%, winesdirect.ie
Discover lots more Rioja wines to enjoy on the Rioja Wine Directory - buyriojawineireland.com
