Rioja Baja Wine Region

Formerly known as Rioja Baja, Rioja Oriental is the easternmost sub-region of Rioja. The region includes some of the most fertile soils (mostly loamy sand) and some of the most variegated plant species in the country. Recent research has shown that the Rioja-Oriental is one of the most promising areas for organic grape growing and wine production. 

Wine culture has been influenced by the character of the villages in Rioja Oriental. The culture very closely matches with blood from the famous Rougemont and Cognac region. Passion for wine goes hand in hand with the art and life of the villages in Rioja Baja, where the values of wine, art, and wine-related activities visit this region a must.

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Rioja Baja Wine Map

Location of Rioja Baja region

Rioja Baja wine region is located in the the north of Spain and is the easternmost region of DOC Rioja. It has been a wine region for over 400 years. Nowadays, more than 24,000 hectares of vineyards are being planted in Rioja Baja, with family wineries and cooperatives.

The geography, climate and soils of Rioja Oriental, make it a privileged land for growing grapes. The region is rich in wine and has been called “the gateway to Spain”. The climate of Rioja Oriental is particularly hot and dry. 

Historical Background of Rioja Baja

Wine has long been important to the Riojan people, as is evident from how much archaeological remains there are from their early winemaking culture. This culture was maintained up until the Middle Ages. A major milestone was the establishment, in 1787, of the Royal Board of Winegrowers, which is still active today. They aim to promote grape growing, improve wine quality and facilitate trade in northern Europe.

Most people are more familiar with the name Rioja Baja than Rioja Oriental. In Spanish, 'Baja' means low altitude and is named after the geographical characteristics of this vast sub-region. But it can also create negative misconceptions about quality for consumers, so local producers requested a change in the appellation's name, which was approved in April 2018, and Rioja Baja has since been officially renamed Rioja Oriental.

Type of terroir of Rioja Baja

Rioja Baja has a warmer and drier climate due to the Mediterranean influence and lower altitude. The chalk content is minimal, with a greater proportion of silt and alluvial components and ferruginous clays. It is particularly dry and hot in the summer compared to the other two neighboring sub-regions. As a result, the wines produced here have a higher alcohol content and lower aromas and acidity.

Wine Characteristics of Rioja Baja Wine

In the past, the main variety of Rioja Baja grapes was Garnacha, because they were suited to the local terroir, and could be made into wines with high alcohol and low acidity. As a result, they were mainly used to blend with wines from other areas of Rioja to enhance the body of the wine.

However, in the 1980s, many of the old Garnacha vines were uprooted locally to cater to market preferences, and Tempranillo began to be planted on a large scale. As more and more producers realized the appeal of local Garnacha, this ancient variety began to make a comeback in Rioja Baja.

Food to Pair with Rioja Baja

The documented history of Riojan Gastronomy dates back to the medieval period of the reconquest - abundant Christian meat roasts the elaborate cuisine of Andalus. There is plenty of local food to pair with Rioja baja wine tasting.

Huevos a la Riojana

It is a traditional Rioja dish with a base of garlic, pepper and well-done egg. It combines various textures and flavours with a spicy twist.

Caparron 

Caparrones is a special Rioja  stew made with caparrón, which is a type of red kidney bean, and spicy sausage chorizo.The caparrón bean is shorter and rounder in shape than regular red kidney beans.

Fardelejos

This dish originates from Araba and is now popular in Arnedo, Rioja Baja, but it has spread throughout the region.  They are delicious almond-filled puff pastry.

Peras de Rincón de Soto

Peras de Rincón de Soto is a pear of the Blanquilla and Conference varieties that grow in the Ebro Valley. This variety is known for its sweetness, its crispness and lack of acidity, and its rich juice with a hint of fruit and floral aromas.

Places to visit in Rioja Baja

Calahorra

La Rioja Baja is rich in history, and Calahorra is the place to discover it. It is a religious, cultural, and architecturally significant location. The 17th-century Gothic-style Cathedral of Santa Mara, the Church of Santiago Apóstolt, the Diocesan Museum, the late 16th-century Monastery of San José, the Baroque Sanctuary of El Carmen, and other remarkable landmarks can be found throughout the region.

Arnedo

Arnedo is a small and peaceful town 48 kilometers from Logrono, with a rich history that includes many beautiful churches, castles, and ancient buildings. Some of the major attractions include the late Gothic churches of Santo Tomás and Santa Eulalia, the Monastery of Vivo, the Palace House of Archbishop Argaiz, and the Castle of Arnedo, which dates back to the 9th century.

Enciso

Enciso, 71 kilometers from Logrono, is well-known for its dinosaur ichnites, which were excavated from sedimentary rocks and are now beautifully preserved in the area. These ichnites are evidence of Mesozoic-era life.

It has over 3,000 dinosaur footprints and numerous trails and paths. "The path of the dinosaurs of Enciso" is one example. This tour takes you to the country's most important sites, including the Virgen del Campo, La Senoba, and Valdecillo.

From a farming point of view, it has been shown that organic farming can produce wines with high quality, with the use of sustainable technologies and methods, all through using traditional knowledge.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rioja Baja