GRAPES – RED AND WHITE AND DIFFERENT TYPES

Rioja wines typically use four grapes for red wine – Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Graciano and Mazuelo – and three grapes for white – Viura, Malvasia, and Garnacha Blanca.

REDS

Tempranillo
Known as the king of grapes in the Rioja Region, Tempranillo is Spain’s classic varietal, known for its vibrancy and variety. In fact, 78% of all the grapes planted in the region are Tempranillo. Needless to say, Tempranillo is synonymous with Rioja. Expressive when young, and velvety rich when aged, the taste can vary from hints of vanilla, cherries and currants to coconut.
In the cooler growing areas of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, Tempranillo produces wines with good acidity and structure. In contrast, the warmer area of Rioja Baja produces fruitier wines.

Garnacha Tinta (Red Garnacha)
About 11% of all the grapes planted in the region are Garnacha Tinta. This is the same grape known as "Grenache" in France, which actually originates in Spain. As a blending grape, it’s used to add strength and warmth. As a single varietal, Garnacha Tinta produces full-bodied wines with hints of raspberry.
Garnacha Tinta is harder to grow in the cooler areas of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, as the grape flowers late and has a difficulty maturing. However, when successful, it produces a subtle, interesting and balanced wine.

Graciano
Native to Spain, this grape is most often used as a blending grape with Tempranillo – stabilizing color, adding depth, acidity and aroma. Some wineries are now bottling 100% Graciano, with delightful cherry and raspberry flavors.

Mazuelo
Known as Carignan in France, Mazuelo is used as a blending grape with Tempranillo to add color and longevity. Today, it constitutes about 4% of all the grapes grown. Wines are high in color and acidity, and rich in tannins with a rougher edge. A few wineries are bottling 100% Mazuelo wines. Try them for their more earthy and herbal flavors.

WHITES

Rioja white wines are most often blends of the major white grapes: Viura, Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca, or 100% Viura. Fermentation can take place either in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, providing a crisp or richer taste.

Viura
Viura is the main white grape grown in Rioja – making up about 10% of all the grapes grown in the region. Its wines are pleasant, with a floral aroma and a light and delicate flavor.

Malvasia
Mainly used to give structure to white Rioja wines, this grape produces wines with a floral aroma and a core flavor of grapefruit.

Garnacha Blanca
Mainly added to white Rioja wines for its pleasant taste and aromas of sweet honeysuckle and apricot.