Rioja Wines

Rioja Wine
If one had to pick a single subregion in Spain that would represent the country in its brightest viticultural light, it would undoubtedly be Rioja. It’s a breathtaking valley, where the soft breeze carries the playful sounds of local birds, and where one of the world’s most underrated and potent varietals thrives. Tempranillo is a vivacious, vibrant varietal, sometimes seen as a more fruit-forward version of Cabernet Sauvignon, and winemakers from Rioja seem to understand it on a spiritual level because drinking a fine red Rioja can be a near-religious experience. They’re as powerful and impactful as a charging bull, and as smooth and playful as the cloth that agitates it. As a result, these wines play an important part in Spanish culture and cuisine, and one can’t help but notice a historical, nostalgic sentiment as the wine unfolds in the glass.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about fine Rioja wines is how affordable they can be. While they’re no less impactful than their French competitors, they tend to fly under the radar, which results in lower prices than one would expect. This makes them a great starting point if you are just setting out on your wine adventure, and a reliable source of party-starting excitement if you’re looking to socialize.
However you want to frame it, Rioja deserves a spot in the annals of wine history, and its sheer quality mesmerizes countless people on a daily basis. Get immersed, and experience a level of satisfaction and serenity like never before.
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2003 Benjamin Romeo La Vina de Andres Romeo95RPA real blockbuster, the 2003 La Vina de Andres Romeo (100% Tempranillo) is exquisite, but, again, a mere 200 bottles will make it to America. Lucky readers who run across a bottle,..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $105.00
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2009 R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja Reserva Vina Tondonia97JSSweet berries, cherries, cedar and dried flowers on the nose. Some lemon and lime zest, too! Medium-to full-bodied with tight, integrated tannins that show wonderful length and res..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $32.99
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2010 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva97JSThis is as complex and savory as the rest of the Viña Tondonia wines, but also shows a tad more depth, with a hint of black plum and blue fruit on top of the orange rind, ir..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $89.99
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2018 Sierra de Tolono Rioja La Dula Garnacha de Altura94W&SNo written review providedIn 2012, Sandra Bravo settled in the high altitudes of Rioja Alavesa, where she found small parcels of old-vine garnacha that reminded her of vineyards sh..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $25.99
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2019 Hermanos Pecina Senorio de P Pecino Cosecha90JG(Rioja “Cosecha”- Bodegas Señorío Pedro Peciña (Rioja Alta)) The 2019 Rioja “Cosecha” from Bodegas Peciña is a lovely wine, with..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $13.99
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2019 Sierra Cantabria Rioja Seleccion93JSThis is rather luscious, yet it’s firm and poised with fantastic depth of fruit and structure. Berry and plum with some bark and earth that finishes strongly. So attractive a..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $12.99
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As low as $29.99
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2020 Alegre Valganon Tinto Rioja93+RPThe house red 2020 Tinto showed superbly. It's a blend of Tempranillo from the Obarenes Mountains (Sajazarra and Fonzaleche) with 20% Garnacha from Cárdenas on clay and some..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $20.99
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2020 Bodegas Exopto Horizonte de Exopto93JSHibiscus, blackberries and some cherry compote and spiced dark fruit. A full-bodied Rioja, loaded with juicy yet resolved tannins that seal off the palate, before a delicious, pepp..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $19.99
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2020 Sierra de Tolono Rioja Tinto91RPThe entry-level red 2020 Sierra de Toloño was produced with Tempranillo from Rivas de Tereso, fresh and energetic, representing the high-altitude vineyards produced in a sim..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $16.99
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2021 Sierra de Tolono Rioja Blanco92RPThe very young white 2021 Blanco de Sierra de Toloño is mostly Viura with some Calagraño and Rojal that is pure, fresh and straightforward, with a floral touch and a ..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $16.99