Even the most fervent beer drinkers among us (myself included) are able to hazard a good guess at the most famous wine producing region in Spain.

Before those classy little numbers from Toro and Ribera del Duero found their way to these shores, Rioja was the only Spanish wine most of us really considered or were familiar with. As a result, prices sneaked up to reflect demand, but they seem to have found their level now. It has a long tradition of producing unique, aged wines of incredible drinkability, and despite being challenged from rival regions in terms of value for money, great buys are really quite easy to find.

The red Tempranillo is the key grape variety, and is often blended with other popular varietals. To name the three main grapes - Tempranillo for acidity and elegance, Garnacha (aka Grenache) for spice and luscious berry fruit flavours, and Graciano for structure and ageing potential.

Grapes and the terroir are not the only things to have their say on the characteristics of the wine. The traditional winemakers of Rioja are very keen on using American oak, which is generally more powerful than French oak, adding sweet vanilla-like overtones. Those of us with a keen nose may also be reminded of tobacco, cedar and smoky oak. Crianza is aged for at least two years, one of which is in oak. Reserva is aged for three years, with at least one year in oak, and Gran Reserva has at least two years in oak and three years in bottle.

Whilst the traditionalists will age in oak and bottle for lengthy periods, the standard Rioja, young and usually inexpensive, many of which are aged in French oak and released after 3-4 years, are more about the rich, ripe, vibrant fruit characteristics. Perhaps more of a drink now proposition.

Rioja is not without its whites, with Viura (Macabeo), Malvasía and the Garnacha Blanca reigning supreme. There are many lovely examples, but the reds will always dominate for their sheer brilliance.

You’ve still got time (last day Sunday 28th February) to avail of our Spanish wine sale with 20% off, including the wines of Rioja, Rías Baixas, Ribera del Duero and more. Prices will revert to normal on Monday 1st March.

The white grape Viura, also called Macabeo, is widely grown in the Rioja region of northeastern Spain. This 100% Viura of Rioja is cultivated in vineyards at an altitude of 400 metres above sea level and the vines are, on average, 20 years old.

To view product page and for more details, click on Valliciergo Viura.

This youthful Rioja is 100% unoaked, and represents a very good expression of the varietal. The Tempranillo grapes are cultivated in hillside vineyards in the best parts of Rioja Baja and fermented in stainless steel tanks for 15 days before being bottled. The result is an easy-drinking, fruity red, which is medium-light in body.

To view product page and for more details, click on Valliciergo Tempranillo.