Rioja – Great Wines from Spain’s Most Famous Wine Region

Tempranillo – The Soul of Rioja

Tempranillo is the heart and soul of Rioja and is often referred to as the “Spanish Pinot Noir”. It gives the wines their juicy berry fruit, fine spice and elegant structure. Tempranillo is remarkably versatile: it ranges from fresh, easy-drinking styles to complex, long-aged Gran Reservas. Many Rioja wines are made as single-varietal Tempranillo or blended harmoniously with Garnacha, Graciano or Mazuelo.

Crianza, Reserva & Gran Reserva – Rioja Classification Explained

Rioja follows a unique ageing classification system that divides wines into Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. These terms indicate how long the wine has matured in oak and bottle. The higher the classification, the greater the complexity and ageing potential.

• Crianza: at least 1 year in oak, followed by bottle ageing
• Reserva: at least 1 year in oak + 2 years in bottle
• Gran Reserva: at least 2 years in oak + 3 years in bottle

Buy Rioja Wine Online at Boucherville

In our online shop, you will find hand-selected Rioja wines from bodegas that focus on quality, tradition and sustainable viticulture. Alongside approachable Crianzas, full-bodied Reservas and rare Gran Reservas, our range also includes authentic single-vineyard wines with true terroir character. Enjoy free delivery from CHF 199 or 12 bottles and bring a taste of Rioja into your home.

Order Rioja wines now

Further Discoveries for Spain Lovers

If you love powerful red wines with personality, we also recommend exploring our wines from Ribera del Duero as well as the elegant expressions from Priorat and Bierzo. Discover the diversity of Spanish wine at Boucherville.

• Discover wines from Ribera del Duero
• Go to wines from Priorat
• Show wines from Bierzo

Rioja Wine Region – Facts & Figures

The protected designation DOCa Rioja is Spain’s oldest and most prestigious appellation. Around 65,000 hectares of vineyards are planted, with red wine accounting for roughly 90% of total production. Tempranillo dominates the vineyards with around 75% of total plantings, while Viura is the leading white grape variety.

The region is divided into three key sub-zones:

• Rioja Alta: known for elegant, well-balanced wines
• Rioja Alavesa: fresh, fruit-driven wines with fine structure
• Rioja Oriental: full-bodied, powerful wines with a Mediterranean influence

Most wines traditionally mature in American or French oak barrels, giving Rioja its signature vanilla and toasted spice notes. 

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