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South Florida Reporter Shines Spotlight on Rioja: A Trade Guide
The South Florida Reporter recently featured the dynamic world of Rioja wines, capturing the attention of the US market. This guide offers an in-depth look at the region’s unique offerings, tailored explicitly for wine importers and industry experts.
The dynamic duo of Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr wrote this article. They have been writing a wine column since 1985. They have traveled extensively to vineyards in France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the United States. Tom currently resides in Naples with his wife, Sue, where he conducts wine tastings. His website is MoreAboutWine.com. Patrick is in the wine retail business in Annapolis, MD.
Rich Heritage and Varied Landscapes
Rioja, renowned as Spain’s most illustrious wine region, has a storied past reaching back to Roman times. It earned its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1933, marking it as the first Spanish wine region to achieve international recognition.
Despite facing competition from newer wine regions, Rioja continues to hold a significant place in the US market. The region is segmented into three distinct areas: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly known as Rioja Baja). While it’s common for producers to blend grapes from these areas, there’s a growing focus on single-zone wines, providing a fascinating glimpse into the distinct differences in terroir.
Beyond Reds: Discovering a Spectrum of Flavors
While Rioja is famed for its red wines, primarily Tempranillo blends with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it also offers an impressive array of whites. Wine aficionados will find delightful whites crafted from Malvasia and Verdejo grapes. Moreover, some vintners are venturing into Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, enhancing the region’s complexity.
Aging Excellence: A Benchmark of Quality
Rioja’s aging classification system, prominently displayed on each bottle, serves as a hallmark of quality. Crianza wines undergo a minimum of one year in oak and bottle, Reserva wines are aged at least one year in oak and three years in bottle post-release, and Gran Reserva wines are aged a minimum of two years in oak and three years in bottle post-release. This meticulous aging process, which is uncommon at such accessible price points, significantly boosts the quality of Rioja wines, presenting a valuable proposition for US importers looking for affordable yet refined options.
Highlighting Tempranillo: Top Producers to Watch
The article in the South Florida Reporter showcased several Rioja producers. We explore further into select Tempranillo-focused offerings:
- Bodegas Beronia: Their lineup, including Crianza, Reserva, and Tempranillo Elaboracion Especial, illustrates the progressive complexity and maturation of Tempranillo.
- Bodegas La Rioja Alta Vina Ardanza Reserva: Renowned for its prolonged aging and vibrant youthfulness, this blend underscores the expertise of leading producers.
- Ramon Bilbao Reserva: This vibrant blend demonstrates the aging advantages, with Graciano and Mazuelo enriching the Tempranillo.
Beyond Tempranillo: Exploring Varietal Diversity
Tempranillo may be king, but Rioja’s repertoire includes intriguing alternatives:
- La Mal-Dita Garnacha: Thriving in high-altitude vineyards, this Grenache bursts with lush fruit flavors.
- Ramon Bilbao Rueda Verdejo: A crisp, refreshing white wine perfect for summer.
- Campillo el Sueno: A Chardonnay and Viura blend, offering delightful citrus nuances with a hint of oak.
- Ontanon Tempranillo Blanco: A rare white Tempranillo, surprising with vibrant pineapple and stone fruit tastes.
A Wealth of Opportunities for US Importers
Rioja offers a diverse and exciting range for US importers. From prestigious Tempranillo-based wines to innovative whites and alternative reds, the region caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences. The clear aging classification provides a reliable indicator of value. With its deep-rooted history, varied landscapes, and dedication to quality, Rioja is well-positioned to maintain its status as a premier choice in the US import market.
