SUMMERY RIOJA REDS, ROSÉS AND WHITES HAVE EXCEPTIONAL FOOD-PAIRING POTENTIAL AND ARE RIPE FOR EXPLORING NOW …
Whether you’re taking the party outside this summer for a picnic, entertaining at home al fresco for lunch or a barbecue, or sharing summer seafood at a celebration with close friends and family, there’s a delicious Rioja for every occasion and for every setting.
With the Rioja wine region in Spain’s gastronomic heartland, its wines have exceptional food pairing potential. Located in northern Spain along the banks of the River Ebro and sheltered from the cooling influence of the Atlantic by the Sierra Cantabria to the north, the DOCa region of Rioja is renowned for producing some of Spain’s finest wines.
While the Reserva and Gran Reserva styles are among Rioja’s best-known wines, and rank amongst the world’s finest, there’s no such thing as “a Rioja”. There are modern interpretations of these classic reds, as well as young, fresh and zesty Rioja whites and deliciously dry and vibrant Rioja rosés, that are equally fabulous with food.
THE GLOSS Wine Editor Julie Dupouy
THE GLOSS Wine Editor Julie Dupouy says, “The whites, roses and lighter reds of Rioja are ripe for exploring now. These versatile, fresh styles are delicious enjoyed with food, whether it’s grilled salmon and salads, brick oven pizza or summery pasta.”
The best way to find your favourite Rioja is to take some time to taste some of our summery suggestions below. Shop now at the Rioja Wine Directory where you’ll find a great list of Rioja retailers near you. Enjoy!
WHITE RIOJA TO TRY
Predominantly made from the indigenous Viura grape, whites can be fresh and zesty or barrel-fermented, resulting in a rich, toasty wine, perfect for matching with food.
MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA CAPELLANÍA, 2015
This oaked white is complex and elegant, with a floral note, nutty dry palate and a fresh acidity on the finish.
€29.95, available at O’Briens
ONTAÑÓN TEMPRANILLO BLANCO, 2020
Intense tropical fruit aromas, with hints of pineapple, white flower and citrus. This wine has a crisp acidity to balance the palate.
€16.99, available at The Wine Buff
R LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VINA GRAVONIA, 2011
Rich and fruity, pear, apricot and yellow plum flavours, with honey and vanilla in the background make this a truly elegant wine.
€36, available at Siyps
ROSADO RIOJA TO TRY
Rosado or rosé styles, primarily produced from Tempranillo and Garnacha grape varieties, tend to be dry with ripe berry fruit flavours.
BODEGAS EXOPTO, BOZETO DE EXOPTO, 2020
A super pale copper-pink rosé with hints of red berries, citrus peel and wild flowers.
€16, available at Curious Wines
IZADI LARROSA, 2018
Pale salmon in colour, this rosé has aromas of strawberry, raspberry and red cherries, alongside fresh notes of white peach and pear.
€18.95, available at The Corkscrew
BODEGAS OSTATU ORGANIC, 2020
With an intense aroma of red fruits, citrus and fine minerality, this wine is fresh and balanced on the palate with good acidity.
€14.95, available at Woodberrys Wines
RED RIOJA TO TRY
Red wines account for the vast majority of production in Rioja. Tempranillo is the most widely planted grape, but Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo all contribute to blends.
REMELLURI ‘LINDES DE REMELLURI’,
2015
This great Rioja has beautifully complex aromas of ripe black fruit, spicy touches and smooth notes of vanilla and licorice.
€25, available at Green Man Wines
SOCIEDAD COOPERATIVA DE LAPUEBLA DE LABARCA, PAGOS DE LABARCA, 2011
A modern and elegant Rioja, this red is clean, warm and round with an intense cherry colour.
€18, available at Supervalu
SOBODEGAS VALPIEDRA, CANTOS DE VALPIEDRA, 2015
A highly aromatic wine with black fruit and ripe sloe flavours, with vanilla, spice and tobacco notes.
€21.95, available at Mitchell & Son
Rioja Wine Directory
Rioja wines are widely available throughout Ireland. For a great list of retailers who deliver Rioja wine all over the country, check out www.buyriojawineireland.com
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