Let’s celebrate Rioja – a great value red wine region which is also producing fantastic white, rosé and sparkling wines. Expert David Carne reveals more and also gives his top wine picks for June 

Compared with the likes of France, Spanish-produced wines can often represent great value. This is certainly true of Rioja (prounounced ‘Ree-o-ha’) wines from Northern Spain. These wines are often compared with Côtes de Rhône red, which attract significantly higher prices. On 9 June, it’s International Rioja Day, so what better time to become familiar with the surprising variation in styles of wine from this region.

Each year approximately 343 million bottles of Rioja are sold, 41 per cent of which are exported. The UK is a key market accounting for just over 30 per cent of all exports, and for good reason. When we think of Rioja, we tend to think of big, bold, red wines available at a very affordable price. Typical Rioja wines are red, full bodied, fruity, oaky and great accompaniments to food. These wines are dominated by the Tempranillo grape, although often the wines are blends with other varieties. But did you know, Rioja is not just producing big bold red wines?

It is also possible to get white, rosé and sparkling Riojas. In fact, of the 14 grape varieties permitted within the Rioja region, nine of them are white varieties and only five are red. White wines account for around 10 per cent of production and rosés for around 5 per cent. White Rioja is typically a wine of good acidity, lemon curd and honeycomb flavours, with some minerally characteristics. ALDI’s Rioja Blanco (Barron Amarillo) at £6.49 is a very affordable easy-drinking example. You might look to try white Rioja if you tend to go for white Burgundy wines or even some more acidic pinot grigios, and your bank account will thank you for it!

The sparkling wines are surprisingly good! If you want to pick one up, Majestic has the Viña Pomal Reserva Blanc de Noirs Rioja Sparkling 2020 at £15 a bottle or £12 on mix six. It has a nice balance of red and white fruits, good citrus acidity and some light spice. 

Not all Riojas are created equal

Spain is one of the few countries in the world that classifies its wines by the amount of time they have spent maturing. Generally, the longer a wine has spent maturing the smoother, more rounded it will be, and the greater the complexity of flavour.

To grasp the categories of Rioja we have four levels to understand. Examples given below are for red Rioja, there are slightly different rules for other styles.

• Rioja without any ageing designation (sometimes referred to a Joven or young wines). These wines are usually wines with less than two years of age, which are likely to have had only very short or possibly no time aging in a barrel. These wines are fresh, sometimes quite acidic, with aromas which are primarily fruit based. Flavours are likely to be of strawberry, cherry, liquorice or violets. Sometimes a wine making technique known as carbonic maceration is used, which increases the fruit flavours and can sometimes add notes of ripe banana, strawberry bubble gum, cinnamon and kirsch. If you want to try one of these young wines, you could pick up a bottle of Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo from Tesco for £9 or from most other supermarkets. They are often available on mix 6 or cheaper with loyalty cards.

• Crianza Rioja. These wines must spend at least two years in the winery, of which at least 12 months must be in 225-litre oak barrels. These wines retain some floral and fruit aromas but pick up notes of vanilla, coconut, warming spice and some toasted wood. I recommend decanting these for 30 to 60 minutes to allow some air contact, which will significantly improve their drinking potential. If you are looking to pick up a typical example of a Crianza Rioja, then have a look at the Tesco Finest Vina Del Cura Crianza which you can purchase for £9.

• Reserva Rioja. These wines are selected due to having the right qualities to age and must spend at least three years ageing, including at least one year in a barrel. Aromas and flavours will become more complex over time, with some balsamic and spice notes. A great example of a reserva wine is the Cune Rioja Reserva 2019, it is a mix of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo varieties and has had 18 months in American and French Oak barrels. You can find it at Majestic or Sainsburys for around £14.

• Gran Reserva. The total maturation period here must be at least five years of, which at least two years must have been in oak and two in the bottle. These wines are much more complex with aromas of dried fruits, clove, nuts and toasty roasted notes. They can also take on aromas of leather, tobacco and forest floor. Decant to allow them to breathe a little before drinking. Majestic has the Viña Alarde Rioja Gran Reserva for around £13 a bottle which is great value. Morrisons also has The Best Marques de los Rios Rioja Gran Reserva at £15 a bottle.

DAVID’S TOP WINE PICKS FOR JUNE

Something sparkling:

Viña Pomal Reserva Blanc de Noirs Rioja Sparkling 2020 – £15 a bottle or £12 on mix six, Majestic. 

Something English:

Candover Brooke Brut NV – £37, https://www.candoverbrook.co.uk/

A beautiful, slightly floral, sparkling wine which has been aged in the bottle for 3.5 years so has developed flavours of vanilla, nuts and toast. The fruit is citrusy with some green apple and a hint of red apple coming through from the Pinot Noir. A lasting finish which is a little minerally/savoury. 

Something fresh and fruity:

Errazuriz Estate Reserva Pinot Grigio 2023 – £11, Ocado.

A special Pinot Grigio from Chile. Smooth, easy drinking, but with a bit of minerality and complexity. On the nose expect pear, apple, melon and citrus and some floral notes. On the palette this is smooth and refreshing, with some hints of tropical fruits (pineapple and passionfruit) but not tart. 

Something classic:

Boekenhoutskloof ‘The Chocolate Block’ – £24, Tesco.

Think dark fruit flavours, with very smooth tannins and a dark chocolate finish. This is a great wine for those who enjoy very deep flavourful wines. Great on its own, or with food.

Something different:

Invincible Numero Um Branco, 2021 – £16, Majestic.

A sophisticated and delicious wine from Portugal. Well balanced, with some passion fruit coming through as well as some very enjoyable oaky sensations. This wine has layers, which mean a long satisfying finish.