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The Landscape of Rioja


Situated in north-central Spain, between Madrid and Bilbao, Rioja covers a territory about the size of Delaware. For most of its 60-mile length, it follows the contours of the Ebro River, with the Sierra de Cantabria mountains defining its northwest border, and a series of mountain ranges to the south. This dramatic landscape harbors a range of microclimates and soil types, with the northwest part subject to the cooling effects of the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern part more influenced by the warm Mediterranean.

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Other pages in the Rioja series:

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Rioja: Land of a Thousand Wines

A region with a centuries-old winemaking history prepares for the future, with big ideas shaping its architecture, kitchens and wine cellars.

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Rioja: Introducing Adrian Murcia

For one young New York sommelier, taking colleagues to his favorite wine region was a dream come true.

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The Climate of Rioja

Thanks to the mountains and two oceans nearby, Rioja is a land of microclimates. Some are warm, others provide blankets of cool air.

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Rioja: Soil Types and Terroir

Rioja's soils are as complex as its climate. Matching grapes to the right soil has consumed winemakers here for generations.

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Rioja's Sub-Regions

Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja. Discover the different strengths and features of each of these three viticultural zones.

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Rioja: The Kingdom of Tempranillo

The Tempranillo grape expresses itself to the fullest in only one place on earth.

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Rioja's Other Grape Varieties

Tempranillo excels in Rioja, but it's not the only red grape to do so. Three other varieties contribute profoundly to the character of Rioja's red blends.

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The History of Rioja

Although Rioja has a long history of association with Bordeaux, it arguably has more in common with Burgundy.

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Where Patrimony Meets Passion

Any visitor to Rioja would have to conclude that its vintners are some of the most passionate people in the wine trade.

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Lopez de Heredia

The most traditional winery in Rioja is now in the hands of two proud young sisters who remain dedicated to the successful ways of their ancestors.

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Marques de Murrieta

The young staff at Marques de Murieta is keeping this 150-year-old winery in the forefront with contemporary winemaking ideas.

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Marques de Caceres

A vintner with roots in France and Spain shakes up Rioja in 1970 with his modern views and techniques.

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The Community of Rioja

The people of Rioja celebrate their wine-centered life with harvest festivals that unite the community.

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David Moreno

One of the most moving tales in modern-day Rioja is the life story of David Moreno. And to hear him sing the jota is thrilling.

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The Architecture of Rioja

Some of the world's leading modernist architects have been leaving their stamp on Rioja.

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Tradition and Modernity

What is old-style Rioja? What is modern Rioja? The old labels may no longer apply.

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Interpreting the Labels

On every Rioja wine label, there are clues to what's inside.

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For Rioja's Winemakers, A Changing World

Today's winemakers are merging techniques of the past with the latest in winemaking and vineyard technology.

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Rioja's Kitchen: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Spain's nueva cocina, or new-wave cooking, has swept Rioja, but traditional cooking retains a foothold.

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The Gastronomy of Rioja

Good food is a way of life in Rioja…and the wine of choice is almost always local.

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Wine and Food Pairing

Rioja produces some of the world's most food-friendly wines and, experts say, some of its best values.

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