Three zones
Rioja follows the Ebro river in northern Spain, sheltered by mountains. It splits into three sub-zones of differing climate and soil.
- Rioja Alta — higher, cooler, west: elegant, structured, age-worthy.
- Rioja Alavesa — limestone soils, Basque side: perfumed and fine.
- Rioja Oriental (formerly Baja) — warmer, lower east: riper, fuller, more Garnacha.
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The blend
Tempranillo leads, fleshed out with Garnacha (body), Graciano (acid, perfume) and Mazuelo (Carignan, colour/grip).