Overview
The coolest and highest of Rioja's three sub-zones. Atlantic influence from the Cantabrian Mountains gives Rioja Alta its freshness and elegance. Home to the great historic bodegas — La Rioja Alta, Muga, Marqués de Murrieta.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium garnet
- Nose
- Red cherry, Strawberry, Dried raspberry, Vanilla and Dill.
- Palate
- Rioja's most elegant sub-zone — freshness, precision, great age. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, medium tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Medium3/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
TempranilloGarnachaGracianoMazuelo
Aromas And Notes
Red cherryStrawberryDried raspberryPlumVanillaDillCoconut (American oak)LeatherTobaccoEarthDried herbsCoffee
Terroir
Continental-Atlantic — cool, wet influence from north; hot, dry influence from south.
Clay-limestoneAlluvialIron-rich clay
Food Pairings
Roast lamb (lechazo)ChorizoManchegoGrilled mushrooms
Notable Producers
- La Rioja Alta, founded 1890 - Gran Reserva 904
- Bodegas Muga, founded 1932 - Prado Enea Gran Reserva
- Marqués de Murrieta, founded 1852 - Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva