Test your Knowledge - Wine Quiz - Rioja Regions

The wine regions of Rioja in Spain, acclaimed for their distinguished viticulture, are divided into three distinct zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental (formerly known as Rioja Baja). Each area contributes its unique terroir to the diversity and character of Rioja wines.

Rioja Alta, situated in the western part of Rioja at higher altitudes, is known for its cooler climate, which contributes to the bright acidity and structured tannins of its wines. Here, the traditional Tempranillo grape thrives, yielding wines renowned for their aging potential and elegant complexity.

Rioja Alavesa, located in the northernmost area, features a similar climate to Rioja Alta but is distinguished by its limestone-rich soils, leading to wines with a notable minerality and vivacity.

The Rioja Oriental, to the east, enjoys a warmer and drier climate, influencing the production of fuller-bodied and more intensely flavored wines, often with a higher proportion of Garnacha grapes. This geographical diversity allows Rioja to produce a wide array of wine styles, from vibrant and fresh young wines to the deeply complex and age-worthy Reservas and Gran Reservas, making it one of the most dynamic and revered wine regions in the world.