Overview
Rioja Alavesa is the smallest sub-zone, with the highest altitude and most limestone-rich soils. Its wines are more structured and age-worthy than Rioja Baja, and its small-domaine culture has sparked a new-wave of artisanal producers.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Medium garnet
- Nose
- Cherry, Redcurrant, Plum, Earth and Mineral.
- Palate
- Structured, mineral Rioja — new-wave artisanal elegance. Generally medium-bodied, crisp acidity, firm tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Firm4/5
Acidity Crisp4/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol Medium3/5
Grapes
TempranilloGarnacha
Aromas And Notes
CherryRedcurrantPlumBlackberryEarthMineralSpiceCedarLeatherTobaccoForest floor
Terroir
Continental with Atlantic influence — elevated, cooler than Baja.
Limestone-clayChalk
Food Pairings
Roast lambGrilled codPintxosAged Idiazábal
Notable Producers
- Artadi, founded 1985 - Viña El Pisón
- Bodegas Roda, founded 1987 - Cirsion