Rioja Alavesa, Basque Country
Rioja Alavesa is a renowned wine region located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, known for producing high-quality red wines from the Tempranillo grape.
Regional History & Terroir: Rioja Alavesa has a long history of winemaking, dating back to Roman times. The region is located in the Basque Country of northern Spain, and is known for its unique terroir, which includes a mix of clay, limestone, and alluvial soils, as well as a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
Typical Grape Varietals: The Rioja Alavesa region is known for producing red wines from the Tempranillo grape, which is often blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. The region also produces white wines from grape varietals such as Viura and Malvasía.
Regional Wine Styles: Rioja Alavesa is known for producing high-quality red wines that are aged in oak barrels. The wines are often characterized by their bright fruit flavors, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and plum. The oak aging process also imparts flavors of vanilla and spice, as well as a silky smooth texture. Rioja Alavesa red wines are classified based on their aging process, with Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva being the most common classifications. In addition to red wines, the region also produces white and rosé wines, as well as sparkling wines
