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White and rose Rioja wine with cheese, bread and olives. The Rioja region, located in northern Spain, is one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. Known for its age-worthy reds, it’s also gaining popularity for its crisp, fruity, and minerally whites, as well as its floral and complex rosés. Here’s a brief background and tasting notes on some of Rioja’s representative white and rosé wines. History of Winemaking in Rioja Wine making in Rioja has a deeply rooted history and a terroir that combines tradition with modernity. The region holds DOCa status (Denominación de Origen Calificada), Spain’s highest wine classification, and is the country’s leading wine region. The industry dates to Roman times, but the region’s modern reputation began in the mid-19th century when local producers adopted French techniques, especially after phylloxera devastated Bordeaux vineyards. In 1925, Rioja was the first Spanish region to receive official Denominación de Origen (DO) status. In 1991, it became the first to be awarded the prestigious DOCa designation, recognizing the quality and consistency of its wines. Rioja has three principal subregions. Rioja Alta is a high-altitude, cooler-climate area. It produces elegant, age-worthy red wines with prominent red fruit notes, firm tannins, and balanced acidity. Rioja Alavesa is the region North of the Ebro River. It has predominantly chalky soils and typically produces the most perfumed, refined Tempranillo wines. Rioja Oriental, formerly called Baja Rioja, is warmer and drier. Garnacha dominates this region, producing fuller, riper wines with higher alcohol and bolder fruit character. The Soils of Rioja and Their Influence Rioja’s soils are a critical element of its terroir. There are three primary types. Calcareous clay and chalky limestone soils are primarily found in Rioja Alavesa and Alta. These soils are nutrient-poor but offer excellent drainage, which forces vines to struggle and develop concentration. As a result, these wines are typically aromatic, structured, and elegant, with mineral tension and longevity. Ferrous clay, also known as red clay, is a type of soil rich in iron and is primarily found in the Rioja Oriental region. These warmer, heavier soils produce wines that are fuller-bodied, riper, and more robust, characterized by a fruit-forward profile, soft tannins, and a higher alcohol content. Alluvial, pebble, and sand mixtures are found along ancient riverbeds throughout the region. These lighter soils are perfect for early-ripening varieties. The wines they produce are usually rounder, less structured, and more approachable when young. Vineyards with San Lorenzo mountain as background, La Rioja, Spain Principal Grape Varieties Approximately 85% of Rioja’s production is red wines. The principal red grape varieties are: Tempranillo, the dominant variety, is renowned for its balanced combination of fruit, acidity, and tannins. It forms the backbone of most red Rioja wines. Garnacha (Grenache) provides body, warmth, and red berry flavors. It’s used in blends and rosés. Mazuelo (also known as Carignan) offers color, acidity, and structure. It’s usually used in small amounts. Graciano is a low-yielding red grape variety valued for its strong aroma and age-worthy tannins. Viura (Macabeo) is the primary white variety, offering freshness, citrus, and floral notes, often with a mineral edge. Malvasía is an aromatic variety that adds richness and body to wines. Garnacha Blanca brings roundness with a smooth texture and aromatic depth. Tempranillo Blanco, Maturana Blanca, and other varietals have been authorized in recent decades for stylistic innovation. Winemaking Practices Rioja has several production practices that have shaped the aroma and taste profile of its wines. These include: Barrel aging classification: Rioja organizes wines into aging categories—Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva—based on the time spent in oak and in the bottle. Traditionalists prefer American oak, which adds notes of vanilla and coconut, while modernists often opt for French oak for its subtlety and spice. Blending: Multi-varietal blends are standard, especially in reds, as they balance the strengths of each grape. Whole-cluster fermentation: Uncommon but growing among innovative producers aiming for structure and aging potential. Carbonic maceration: Primarily used in Rioja Alavesa for fruity, early-drinking reds. Aromatic and Taste Profiles by Style Red Rioja Wines Young/Joven wines are characterized by fresh flavors of cherry, plum, and strawberry, complemented by lively acidity and soft tannins. Crianza wines exhibit notes of red and black fruit, vanilla, and tobacco, with a balanced structure. Reserva wines are spicier and more robust, with leathery and savory notes derived from extended oak aging and bottle aging. Gran Reserva bottlings are complex, with notes of dried fruit, balsamic, cedar, and earth tones, a long finish, and great finesse. White Rioja Wines Young Viura-based wines exhibit crisp citrus, white floral notes, and green apple aromas. Aged white wines are honeyed and nutty, with oxidative notes, a creamy texture, subtle oak spices, and, often, a mineral edge. Rosé Rioja Wines: These wines feature vibrant notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and floral aromas, along with bright acidity. Styles range from light and fresh to fuller-bodied. Below are brief descriptions and tasting notes on a selection of Rioja white and rosé wines. Rows of Rioja wine corks Ontañón Viura DO, Rioja, 2021, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml. Made from 100% Viura grapes sourced from the Siete Caminos vineyard, this wine was aged for 4 months in American oak and had extended lees contact. The wine has aromas of pear, jasmine, tropical fruit, grapefruit, a touch of white pepper, and toasted oak. The palate offers creamy pineapple and brioche, balanced by bright lemon acidity, oak-infused vanilla, and a savory, meaty finish. Luis Cañas Viñas Viejas Blanco Rioja Alavesa, 2022, 13.5% ABV, 750 ml. This wine is a blend of 95% Viura from century-old vines and 5% Malvasía, fermented and aged for 3 months in French (75%) and American oak (25%). The wine offers aromas of orange peel, chamomile, fennel, anise, wild herbs, flowers, hazelnut, and a hint of light oak. It is creamy with a smooth texture and balanced acidity on the palate, highlighting citrus and stone fruit flavors. The finish is long and structured, with lingering fruity notes. C.V.N.E. Monopole, Blanco Seco, Rioja, 2023, 13% ABV, 750 ml. An unoaked, 100% Viura wine from the renowned producer Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (CVNE). The grapes are sourced from various estate vineyards. The wine is intensely aromatic, showing prominent scents of white currant, apple, pear, pineapple, banana, white blossoms, cardamom, and lemongrass. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, with notes of citrus zest and ripe green apple. The finish is long and crisp, with lingering fruity flavors. Faustino I Gran Reserva White, Rioja, 2019, 12.5% ABV, 750 ml. A premium white blend of Viura and Chardonnay, the Faustino I is matured 6–8 months in new French and American oak barrels under DOCa Rioja. The wine is floral and fruity, exhibiting intense aromas and flavors of peach, apricot, mango, pineapple, and stone fruit, with subtle notes of spice from the toasted oak. The palate is silky and fresh, with brisk acidity. The finish is long and layered, with lingering notes of mixed fruits. Martínez Lacuesta Tempranillo Blanco Rioja, 2022, 13% ABV, 750 ml. Made from a rare white mutation of Tempranillo found in La Rioja, the wine is tank-fermented to keep its freshness and aroma. The wine's nose is fruity and floral, with notes of apple, pear, citrus zest, banana, pineapple, and white flowers. The absence of oak keeps it crisp and fruity on the palate, with moderate acidity. The finish is long and fresh, with lingering fruity notes. Marqués de Cáceres Rosado Rioja, 2024, 13.5% ABV, 750 ml. A Tempranillo rosé from Rioja Alta, known for its pale coral color and well-balanced style. The wine is floral and fruity, with notes of strawberry, blackberry, citrus, violet, and anise. The palate offers a refreshing acidity, highlighting wild red berries, watermelon, and mandarin zest. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of citrus and red berries. In Rioja, tradition runs deep—but innovation flows just as freely. With each glass of Viura, Granacha, or even Tempranillo Blanco, you taste not only the diversity of the land but the vision of a region confidently expanding beyond its red-wine roots. Rioja’s whites and rosés aren’t just rising stars—they’re redefining what Spain’s most storied wine region can be. Whether you're cellaring a Gran Reserva or chilling a crisp, floral rosado or blanco, Rioja proves that its future is every bit as exciting as its past. More From Forbes ForbesOregon Pinot Noir Rosé—Why Saignée Method Wines Stand OutBy Joseph V Micallef ForbesTemecula In Bloom: A Rosé Renaissance In Southern California Wine CountryBy Joseph V Micallef Tasting notes are from the author Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
