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Wine Spectator Spotlights Rioja in Centennial Year
As Rioja marks its 100th anniversary as a Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa), the region has received timely and high-profile recognition from Wine Spectator. In its May 2025 cover story, Editor and Publisher Marvin R. Shanken celebrates Rioja’s winemaking legacy and its continued leadership in Spanish wine.
Titled “Rioja Reigns in Spain,” the feature underscores what many in the trade already know: Rioja is not only Spain’s most established wine region—it is also one of its most dynamic. The article reflects on Rioja’s historic foundations, its adaptability, and the new generation of producers pushing quality and innovation forward.
A Milestone Moment for Rioja
Shanken’s editorial voice carries weight across the global wine industry. His decision to dedicate a cover story to Rioja during its centennial year is a signal to importers, distributors, and buyers that the region remains highly relevant—both culturally and commercially.
Rioja’s balanced mix of traditional and contemporary styles continues to meet consumer demand for authenticity, transparency, and excellence. For trade professionals, this feature reaffirms Rioja’s position as a dependable and desirable category in retail and restaurant programs alike.
Leveraging Consumer Interest
With Wine Spectator’s global reach, this spotlight offers a strong opportunity to increase consumer engagement around Rioja. Retailers and distributors can leverage the article’s release to tell deeper stories, highlight aging classifications, or introduce consumers to lesser-known producers and styles.
As awareness rises, so does demand. Now is an ideal time to promote Rioja as a pillar of any premium wine offering.
Explore the Tools & Trade Resources
Our Trade Tool Kit provides access to marketing materials, educational tools, and partnership opportunities to help you make the most of this momentum. Together, we can ensure that the next 100 years of Rioja are just as impactful as the last.
