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Rioja
Rioja, Spain
redMedium garnet
Red fruit wrapped in long oak ageing, traditionally American oak with vanilla and dill.
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Line up two to four wines the way you'd say them. The guide covers 127 appellations and styles, and spelling doesn't need to be perfect.
Rioja and Bordeaux side by side: structure on the WSET scale, grapes, aromas, drinking window, typical UK price and what to eat with each.
Red fruit wrapped in long oak ageing, traditionally American oak with vanilla and dill.
Everyday claret: soft plummy fruit with a light cedar edge.
The shape of each wine, then each measure on the WSET scale.
Rioja has noticeably more oak influence than Bordeaux.
Rioja: Tempranillo-led with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo
Bordeaux: Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
| Rioja | Bordeaux | |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | Tempranillo-led with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo | Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc |
| Climate | Continental with Atlantic and Mediterranean influences | Maritime, moderated by the Atlantic and the Gironde |
| Soil | Clay-limestone, ferrous clay and alluvium | Mixed gravel, clay and limestone |
| Classification | DOCa; ageing tiers Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva | Bordeaux / Bordeaux Supérieur AOC |
| Drinking window | 5–25 years (Gran Reserva longer) | 3–8 years |
| Typical price | £10–£50 | £8–£20 |
| Food | Roast lamb, chorizo, Manchego | Roast chicken, sausages, hard cheese |
| Producers to know | La Rioja Alta, R. López de Heredia, CVNE | Château Bonnet, Château Thieuley, Mouton Cadet |