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Rioja (Red)

Written by Madeline Puckette

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Spain’s most famous regional wine featuring Tempranillo grapes. Wines are known for their savory, dusty flavors and ability to age. Rioja is one of few European winemaking zones that enlists the use of American oak barrels.

Primary Flavors

  • Cherry
  • Plum
  • Dill
  • Vanilla
  • Leather

Taste Profile

Dry

Medium-full Body

Medium-high Tannins

Medium-high Acidity

13.5–15% ABV

Handling

  • SERVE
    55–60°F / 12-15°C

  • GLASS TYPE
    Universal

  • DECANT
    1 Hour

  • CELLAR
    10+ Years

Food Pairing

Rioja and lamb is the ultimate; dusty tannins crave the tender fat capped meat. Also try chorizo enhanced dishes, roasted pork, or chicken.

Written byMadeline Puckette

James Beard Award-winning author and Wine Communicator of the Year. I co-founded Wine Folly to help people learn about wine. @WineFolly