Tradewinds Specialty Imports -- Spanish Wines

Located in northern Spain, Rioja was the first wine region in Spain to receive the prized designation of Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOCa), recognizing consistent production of Spain's finest wine.

Riojas are classified based on required aging in both oak barrels and bottles and traditionally they are not released from the winery until they are ready to drink.

Traditionally, Rioja wines have used a blend of grapes from all three sub-regions including Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Baja. Each one has distinct soil and climate characteristics, however they are all fall under the same DOC Rioja umbrella. The differences in altitude, soil types and climate ensure that every Rioja vintage is crafted from the highest quality grapes, selected from vineyards in the most successful and productive areas.

Grapes and Winemaking

In Rioja, they often say their wines are "made in the vineyards", and insist on using the highest quality grapes matured to perfection. Rioja is home to several grape varieties as tempranillo, Garnacha tinta, Mazuelo, Graciano, Viura, Garnacha blanca, and Malvasia. However the prize of the region is certainly the tempranillo grape, which has been cultivated in Spain for centuries and is recognized as one of the world's noble varieties. As the chief ingredient in Rioja wines, tempranillo grapes form the vibrant base for the rich flavors of Rioja reds.

Featured Wineries