May 27, 2020 by Alyssa Taylor
Rioja, Spain
Located in The Upper Ebro within North Central Spain, Rioja is split into three distinct sub-regions centered around the region’s principal city, Logroño. Grape plantings here are dominated by Tempranillo. However, you’ll also find delicious Garnacha, Viura, and Verdejo. Oak maturation plays a large role in winemaking style. Although, Rioja wines can be made in a range of styles depending on what the winemaking is seeking to achieve. Traditionally, wines were aged in American Oak giving pronounced flavors for vanilla, coconut, or dill. Now, you may find many producers are using oak from France or other European countries to give some of their wines more subtle spicy aromatics.