Rioja

Rioja

Spreading along the Ebro valley in northern Spain, Rioja is the region that has driven the history of Spanish wine. Tempranillo takes the leading role. The Cantabrian range shields the vineyards from the cold Atlantic air, while the swing between day and night temperatures across sites at varying altitudes builds wines that pair generous fruit with beautiful acidity.

Alongside the tradition of imposing Gran Reservas aged for years in barrel, a new wave of growers focused on the village and the single vineyard has come to the fore, and Rioja is living through a period of profound change. Blending fruit from old vines and letting terroir speak plainly, these new-generation wines have a delicacy that speaks to Burgundy lovers too.

Cépages has selected the growers who embody Rioja as it is today. Superb with slow-cooked dishes and well-aged meat, of course — and every bit as good with Japanese cooking built on soy sauce and mirin.