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The History of Rioja


Certainly Rioja has a long history as a winemaking region, stretching back to Roman times. But its modern history has been uneven, the boom times alternating with periods of struggle. Victor Pascual, president of the Consejo Regulador, or regulatory council of Rioja, divides the past 150 years into three distinct phases. Fortunately, the progressive ideas sweeping Rioja today are a sign of a new, vigorous and prosperous phase underway.

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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 Landscape of Rioja

Location, location, location. Rioja's unique geography yields three distinct viticultural zones.

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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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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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