Encyclopedia · Red grape
Spain's noble grape. Dried cherry, tobacco, and leather. Oak is diagnostic: American oak (Rioja) gives vanilla and dill; French oak (Ribera) gives cedar and structure. Both are medium-bodied and food-driven.
Acidity med · Tannin med · Alcohol med
Climate Semi-continental with Atlantic influence. Rioja Alta and Alavesa coolest; Rioja Baja warmest.
Style American oak still common at Crianza and Reserva tiers. Multi-vintage blending permitted.
Tell Dried cherry and vanilla, American oak dill and coconut, leather and dried herb, medium tannin
Climate Continental. High altitude plateau (800–900m). Strong diurnal range. Short intense growing season.
Style French oak dominant. No American oak standard. More structured than Rioja.
Tell Dark cherry and dusty earth, French oak cedar, firm tannin, dried herb, more structure than Rioja
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