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New and Classic Rioja

New and Classic Rioja

We recommend trying our Rioja box with good friends. The box contains both wines with traditional classification (Crianza vs Reserva) and a modern terroir category (vino de pueblo). So the first question is, who in the group is a traditionalist wine drinker and who is a wine lover and revolutionist? Wines In The Box 2x Rioja Crianza 2021  (Red) 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo, 10% Graciano, Vendimia Seleccionada de Heras Cordón 2x Rioja Reserva 2016  (Red) 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano, Reserva de Heras Cordón 2x El Propósito 2023  (Red) 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, 3% Merlot, 2% Palomino, Viticultores de…

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Description

Information about the Wines

El Propósito  “Vino tinto de Pueblo” (Modern Rioja)

Blend:

  • 85% Tempranillo

  • 10% Garnacha

  • 3% Merlot

  • 2% Palomino

What it shows

  • Modern Rioja trend: focus on origin/village (Lapuebla de Labarca) instead of just barrel aging.

  • A slightly more unusual blend – Garnacha gives more fruit and softness.

Expected aromas

  • red cherries

  • raspberries

  • herbs

  • light spiciness

Discussion point

  • How does Garnacha affect fruitiness compared to pure Tempranillo?

Vendimia Seleccionada de Heras Cordón 2021

Blend:

  • 80% Tempranillo

  • 10% Mazuelo

  • 10% Graciano

What it shows

  • Classic Rioja blend.

  • Crianza means at least 2 years ageing (at least 1 year in barrel).

Role of grapes

  • Tempranillo → structure and cherry

  • Mazuelo → acidity and tannin

  • Graciano → aroma and spice

Expected aromas

  • cherries

  • plum

  • vanilla

  • spices

Heras Cordón Reserva 2019

Blend:

  • 90% Tempranillo

  • 5% Graciano

  • 5% Mazuelo

What it shows

  • More barrel ageing and maturation.

  • Reserva requires at least 3 years of aging.

Expected aromas

  • dried cherries

  • leather

  • tobacco

  • vanilla

  • cedar

Discussion Point

  • How does aging time affect texture and complexity?

Good to know about Rioja

Rioja is Spain’s historically most influential wine region, and today it stands at a stylistic crossroads between traditional (classic) and modern (new wave) expressions. Both are primarily based on Tempranillo, but they differ in philosophy, oak, fruit expression and structure.

Geography and Climate

  • Located in northern Spain.

  • Split into three main areas:

    • Rioja Alta – cooler climate, elegant and storable wines.

    • Rioja Alavesa – high altitude, often more aromatic wines.

    • Rioja Oriental (formerly Rioja Baja) – warmer, fuller wines.

The climate is a mix of Atlantic and Mediterranean, which provides a balance between acidity and ripeness in the grapes.

Most Rioja wines are red.

Red grapes

  • Tempranillo – most important grape (gives structure, cherry tones).

  • Garnacha

  • Graciano

  • Mazuelo

White grapes

  • Viura (most common)

  • also e.g. Garnacha Blanca and Malvasia.

Classic Rioja wines are often classified by aging time, not just quality.

  • Joven – almost no barrel aging, fruity.

  • Crianza – at least 2 years of aging (at least 1 year in oak barrels).

  • Reserva – at least 3 years of storage (at least 1 year in barrels).

  • Gran Reserva – at least 5 years aging (at least 2 years in barrels).

Gran Reserva is usually only made in good years.

Rioja is made for food

Good combinations:

  • lamb

  • grilled meat

  • tapas

  • charcuterie

  • hard cheese

Typical features of traditional Rioja wines

  • long ageing in American oak barrels

  • often long bottle aging before sale

  • relatively light color

  • lower alcohol

  • more developed aromas

Flavours

  • dried cherries

  • vanilla

  • dill/coconut (from American oak)

  • leather

  • tobacco

Style: elegant, soft and complex.

Typical features of modern Rioja Wines 

  • more focus on fruit and power

  • shorter storage

  • often French oak barrels

  • darker color

  • higher alcohol and more concentration

Flavours

  • ripe blackberries

  • plums

  • chocolate

  • roasted coffee

  • spices

Style: fuller, more international.

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