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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 Douro Red 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.
Dark and floral reds from the grapes and terraces that make Port.
The shape of each wine, then each measure on the WSET scale.
Douro Red has noticeably more body than Rioja.
Rioja has noticeably more oak influence than Douro Red.
Rioja: Tempranillo-led with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo
Douro Red: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and field blends
| Rioja | Douro Red | |
|---|---|---|
| Grapes | Tempranillo-led with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo | Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz and field blends |
| Climate | Continental with Atlantic and Mediterranean influences | Hot continental, sheltered by mountains |
| Soil | Clay-limestone, ferrous clay and alluvium | Schist terraces |
| Classification | DOCa; ageing tiers Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva | DOC |
| Drinking window | 5–25 years (Gran Reserva longer) | 5–20 years |
| Typical price | £10–£50 | £12–£60 |
| Food | Roast lamb, chorizo, Manchego | Grilled pork, game, roast kid |
| Producers to know | La Rioja Alta, R. López de Heredia, CVNE | Quinta do Crasto, Niepoort, Quinta do Vale Meão |