Test your Knowledge of Rioja - Haro
The Grapes of Haro
Types of Grapes Grown
In Haro, the most prominently grown grape is Tempranillo, the star of Rioja wines. This grape is revered for its versatility and ability to express the nuances of the region’s terroir. Its thick skin contributes to the robust structure and aging potential of the wines.
Alongside Tempranillo, Garnacha (or Grenache) plays a significant role. It adds warmth and richness to blends, imparting flavors of red fruit and spice. Garnacha thrives in Haro’s warmer sites, where it achieves optimal ripeness.
Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano are other important red varieties in Haro. Mazuelo is known for its deep color and ability to add acidity and tannic structure, often used in blends to enhance longevity and complexity. Graciano, though less common, is highly valued for its aromatic intensity and contributes to the wine’s aging potential, offering vibrant floral and spicy notes.
For white wines, Viura (Macabeo) is the predominant variety in Haro. It’s appreciated for its freshness and ability to produce wines ranging from crisp and light to complex and age-worthy. Other white varieties like Malvasia and Garnacha Blanca are also found, usually blended to add richness and aroma.
Characteristics of Local Grape Varieties
Each grape variety in Haro brings its unique profile to the wines:
Tempranillo: Wines made from Tempranillo are noted for their balanced acidity, medium to high tannins, and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, leather, and vanilla. The grape’s adaptability to oak aging allows for a spectrum of styles, from vibrant and fruity to complex and layered.
Garnacha: This variety contributes juiciness and body, with a flavor profile rich in strawberry, raspberry, and white pepper notes. Garnacha-based wines are often lush and smooth, with a hint of warmth from their higher alcohol content.
Mazuelo and Graciano: Wines incorporating Mazuelo are known for their deep color, longevity, and earthy, mineral qualities. Graciano, on the other hand, elevates blends with its vivid aromatics, offering floral and dark fruit nuances.
Viura: This white grape is the backbone of Rioja’s white wines, creating refreshing and versatile wines. Viura-based wines can range from simple and citrusy to complex and nutty, often with a mineral undertone and good acidity.
These grapes, in the hands of Haro’s skilled winemakers, are transformed into wines that not only express the individuality of each variety but also the collective harmony of the region’s viticultural heritage. The interplay of these diverse grape types under the unique climatic conditions of Haro results in wines that are not only emblematic of Rioja but also distinctively reflective of their origin