Rioja is a wine with Denominación de Origen Calificada (D.O.C., Qualified designation of origin), named after La Rioja Region. It has gained worldwide recognition because of its quality and unique features.
The three principal regions of La Rioja are Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Baja, with each area producing Rioja wines with their own, unique expression.
It is thought that harvesting grapes in the area date back to Phoenician’s times. The earliest written evidence of grape growing in La Rioja dates from the 9th century.
Often referred to as 'the noble grape of Spain', Tempranillo is typical for the region. Its name comes from the Spanish temprano, meaning 'early', because of its early ripening. The grapes make powerful, intense fruity wines, with a good balance of alcohol content, color and acidity, and smooth mouthfeel that turns velvety in time.