Tips for Sommeliers

• Rioja wines are released only when ready to drink. Consequently, there is less need to take up cellar space for aging requirements.

• Riojas are made to go with food. The major wine grapes of Rioja -- tempranillo, garnacha and graciano -- while pleasantly fruity, are not overpowering. Diners will still taste their food and not be overwhelmed by the strength of the wine. That makes them a perfect complement to most meats, poultry and even seafood.

• The classifications of Riojas and their distinct price points make them ideal for different positions on wine lists. When offered by the glass, Riojas can be priced at a level acceptable to any size budget.

• Vintages are less important for many wines from Rioja. While many Riojan wineries have added a single vineyard wine to their portfolio, where vintage can be an issue, grapes have traditionally been sourced from around the region. This means that only high quality grapes are purchased by wineries. This is why most winemakers in Rioja will tell you great wines are made in the vineyard, not in the winery.

• Riojas tend to have a somewhat lower alcohol content than most other wines. They can be found as low as 12% in alcohol content. Not only does this help them complement food but it enables bars and restaurants to be more ethically conscious in how much wine they serve.