What Grapes Are Used to Make Wine in Rioja?
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Rioja reds from Alaveza and Alta (sub-regions) are typically Tempranillo predominant blends, though there is an exciting trend for varietal Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Reds from Rioja Baja and Rosados (Spanish Rosé) tend to have more Garnacha, as it is warmer and the wines less expensive, Garnacha .. 
What is the Rioja Wine Region Known For?
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Rioja was always known for dusty, old reds, long-aged in seasoned American oak barriques, and overtly vanillin, coconut, dill flavoured American oak aged non-aromatic whites. Both styles can be really compelling and delicious done well, and horrific done poorly. The origins of this style emerged when ..