Rioja Oriental Wine Route
Spain, always famous for its viticulture and having a wide array of wines from different regions, also suggests diverse wine routes. The Rioja Oriental wine route is an incomparable example. Rioja Oriental, also known as Rioja Baja, is the easternmost zone of the Rioja wine region. Located in an immensely propitious area for wine-making, the sub-region has a lot to offer to wine lovers.
Rioja wine is a harmonious combination of fertile soil, excellent climate, empirical wine-making techniques and the historical passion of local people for viticulture. Therefore, during the best Rioja Oriental wine route, you will experience the beauty of breathtaking views in nature, richly-coloured landscapes, the culture and soul of local wine-makers, and the authentic taste of Rioja wine throughout different local wineries; not to mention extraordinary local gastronomy in this part of Spain by which any wine tasting is accompanied.
Rioja Oriental is also called “the gateway to the world of Spanish wine”, honouring the excellence of its terroir. Consequently, if you appreciate wine and would like to try new versions paired with food or without it, the Rioja Oriental wine route will undoubtedly meet your expectations. All you have to do is make yourself comfortable, savour every sip with pleasure and immerse yourself entirely in pure wine experience.
Map of Rioja Oriental Wine Route
What you should know about Rioja Oriental
Rioja DOCa is located in the northern part of Spain and consists of 3 subzones: Alta, Alavesa and Oriental. The latest one, Rioja Oriental has its vineyards sit in the very east of this region. The wealth of Rioja Oriental comes from its environment, municipalities, people and, of course, numerous tourist resources in its vast territory. The region’s nature is pretty diverse, blessed with mountains, the Ebro river and long vineyards, the region has exquisite views and offers many activities to enjoy, such as mountain biking, equestrian, or hiking.
Also, the Rioja Oriental is rich in cultural heritage. The sub-region accounts for numerous museums and religious monuments like the Collegiate Church of San Miguel de Alfaro, the Cathedral of Calahorra and the hermitage of El Salvador in Here, which provides spectacular views of the Cidacos Valley. For medieval architecture lovers, they can find castles in such towns as Autol, Quel, Arnedo, Herce, Préjano, Arnedillo, Cornago, and Inestrillas.
The most known natural sightseeings of the region include the Jubera Valley (Las dolinas de Zenzano) and the Leza Valley.
The Rioja Oriental is also well-known for its festivals. The notable ones are Entreviñas Festival in Aldeanueva de Ebro, Arnedillo Smoke Procession, Saints Theft in Arnedo Fall Festival, Burning of Judas in Alfaro, Grinding Festivity in Ocón and Bread and Cheese Festival in Quel. You can discover other great wine towns located on the Rioja Oriental wine route, which are so worth visiting: Autol, Aguilar del Río Alhama, Alcanadre, Grávalos, Calahorra, Cervera del Río Alhama, Cornago, and many more.
Rioja Oriental wine characteristics
As mentioned above Rioja oriental area is a perfect place for growing grapes characterized by a fabulous climate with subtle Mediterranean influence, fertile soil and good manoeuvre, all resulting in premier quality grapes and a sophisticated taste of wine. The vines in Rioja oriental are located deep inside the valley, away from the cold winds, meaning that the sun can shine on them all day, thus enabling them to bloom fully before harvest time. Rioja Oriental wine sub-region produces red, rosé and white wines, all distinctive in their taste and texture.
Rioja Oriental red wines
Produced from Garnacha, Graciano, Tempranillo or Maturana Tinta grape varieties, Rioja Oriental red wines have vivid colour, fresh and fruity aromas, moderate tannins and a good balance of taste as a whole. They are a good component of any wine palette. The Tempranillo variety predominates in them, with excellent qualities for Crianzas and Reservas.
Rioja Oriental rosé wines
Rioja Oriental rosé is a fine wine with fruity notes and intense fragrances. In Rioja Oriental rosé wine, the colour ranges from salmon pink to raspberry pink, and it has a delicate and sweet mouthfeel. The Garnacha and Tempranillo varieties prevail in them.
Rioja Oriental white wines
Wines where the yellow colour varies from a slight paleness to attractive greenish hues, Rioja Oriental white wines have flavours of white pip and tropical fruits. They have a refreshing, crispy taste and soft texture, inviting you to enjoy your glass till the last drop. The main grape variety used to produce Rioja White wine is Viura or Macabeo, as well as Tempranillo Blanco, which is a true revolution in the world of white wines.
Food to taste in Rioja Oriental wine route
Food is integral to wine tasting, especially in Spain, where gastronomy is a sacred part of the culture. Although there are many diverse dishes that the region offers, here are some special ones that go exceptionally well with wine.
Patatas a la Riojana
Patatas a la Riojana is a traditional stew from Rioja region made with sautéed chopped potatoes, garlic, chorizo, onions, and paprika, flavoured with bay leaves and black pepper. Served with crispy bread for its sauce, this dish is simply an excellent accompaniment to local Rioja wine.
Queso Camerano
Queso Camerano is a DOP cheese of the Rioja region, coming from Sierra de Cameros and produced from raw or pasteurized goat milk. This mature cheese has a robust and intense taste and herbaceous aroma. Like all these cheeses, Queso Camareno makes an excellent appetizer platter along with some chorizo or local ham to enjoy it with Rioja rosé or white wine.
Other signature dishes from Rioja Oriental:
- Vegetable stew
- Garlic-steweded mushrooms
- Fardelejos dessert
- Toasted bread with PDO La Rioja oil
- Pears from Rincón de Soto in red wine
Wineries you can visit on the Rioja Oriental Wine Route
Bodegas Marqués de Reinosa
Bodegas Marqués de Reinosa brings you wine as rich as the land they come from, a true expression of its terroir. It is a cooperative winery in Autol, Rioja Oriental.
Fincas de Azabache
Fincas De Azabache is another cooperative winery in Aldeanueva De Ebro, established and operating since 1956. The half-century of wine-making history and modern developments had allowed Fincas De Azabache to create a new winery concept for a new future of viticulture.
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