The iconic bottles that define Rioja: what they are, who makes them and what they cost.
The iconic bottles that define Rioja: what they are, who makes them and what they cost.
The benchmark traditional Rioja: library-aged Gran Reserva from the Tondonia estate, about nine years in American oak.
Tasting notes: Ethereal, savoury and balsamic, with truffle and dried-strawberry depth. Tim Atkin rated the 2010 at 97 points (2023). Source: lopezdeheredia.com and timatkin.com.
The estate flagship from the Ygay vineyard, released only in great years after a decade-plus of ageing.
Tasting notes: Savoury, classical and long-lived; the 2010 was Wine Spectator Wine of the Year 2020. Source: marquesdemurrieta.com and winespectator.com.
The house pinnacle Gran Reserva, made only in great years and aged about six years in American oak.
Tasting notes: Ethereal and sandalwood-scented; Tim Atkin rated the 2010 at 98 points (2023). Source: riojalta.com and timatkin.com.
A modern classic Gran Reserva, four years in American oak, one of Rioja's most consistent aged reds.
Tasting notes: Silky and savoury with signature American-oak sweet spice and dill. Tim Atkin rated the 2011 at 96 points (2021). Source: riojalta.com.
The house's most famous Reserva, distinctive for its Garnacha component and long American-oak ageing.
Tasting notes: Generous Garnacha-lifted red fruit with dill and sweet spice; a worldwide benchmark Reserva. Source: riojalta.com.
CVNE's prestige red from Rioja Alta fruit, made only in top years.
Tasting notes: Classical and savoury; the 2004 was Wine Spectator Wine of the Year 2013, the first Spanish wine so honoured. Source: cvne.com and winespectator.com.
Benjamin Romeo's cult garage wine from old San Vicente vines that reset Rioja's modern ceiling.
Tasting notes: Deep, polished and powerful yet fresh; the 2004 and 2005 earned 100 points from Wine Advocate. Source: bodegacontador.com and robertparker.com.
Spain's most celebrated single-vineyard Tempranillo, from a tiny old-vine plot at Laguardia.
Tasting notes: Intense yet ethereal, with floral lift and profound minerality. Wine Advocate rated the 2018 at 97 points (2021). Source: artadi.com and robertparker.com.
Muga's icon wine, a tiny-production old-vine Tempranillo-Graciano aged in new French oak.
Tasting notes: Concentrated, polished and ageworthy; Tim Atkin rated the 2016 at 96 points (2022). Source: bodegasmuga.com and timatkin.com.
Roda's icon from selected old-vine Tempranillo with perfectly ripe tannins, briefly in new French oak.
Tasting notes: Plush, super-ripe tannins yet remarkable freshness; Tim Atkin rated the 2017 at 96 points (2022). Source: roda.es and timatkin.com.
The estate's cult prestige red, made with the signature shoulder-selection method in new French oak.
Tasting notes: Dense, polished and mineral; made only from the shoulders of the best bunches. Tim Atkin rated the 2016 at 95 points (2022). Source: remirezdeganuza.com.
Riscal's prestige red from old vineyards including historic Cabernet plantings, in new French oak.
Tasting notes: Dark, structured and French-oak-aged from old vines including historic Cabernet. Tim Atkin rated the 2016 at 94 points (2022). Source: marquesderiscal.com.
Peak wine-travel season in Rioja is spring through autumn, with harvest the standout window.
classified-growth and grand-cru estates require booking days to weeks ahead; smaller family domaines often take walk-ins midweek.
most estates open 10:00 to 17:00 by appointment, often closed Sunday and Monday.
tipping is not expected at tastings; buying a bottle from the cellar door is the customary thank-you.
If you only open one bottle, open Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva by lopez-de-heredia. It is the wine most associated with Rioja.