The rich history of viticulture in Rioja predates the Romans, and today, Spain boasts more vines per acre than any other country. Life in Rioja revolves around the art and tradition of winemaking, with modern innovations enriching centuries-old practices.

Contemporary bodegas build upon their deep-rooted expertise by challenging conventional methods, exploring novel techniques, and experimenting with various combinations. A pioneering bodega in Elciego has even established a subterranean vineyard, employing specially designed lighting and powerful sounds to create a revolutionary approach to viticulture.

Rioja wines are distinguished by their exceptional aptitude for aging, a characteristic inherent in only the finest wines. Through careful aging, in which oak plays a crucial role, Rioja wines evolve, acquiring new aromas and flavors as their qualities become more pronounced. Aged in 225-liter oak casks, the wines undergo a gradual process of micro-oxygenation and stabilization, absorbing the aromas and flavors released by the wood's tannins. This traditional aging method, a natural and more expensive process than modern "industrial" oenology, results in truly exceptional wines.

Rioja has gained renown for its full-bodied, rich, and earthy wines. Their ability to age gracefully allows their unique characteristics to develop, capturing the essence of their virtue. Aging can involve various woods, both seasoned and unseasoned, enabling the emergence of new aromas and flavors.

Rioja wines are classified into four main categories:

1. Cosechera (Sin Crianza): A fruity young wine, often from the current year, with little or no wood aging. Retaining its grape-like qualities, this wine is commonly enjoyed as a table wine.
    
2. Crianza: At least three years old, with a minimum of one year spent in the barrel. For white Rioja wines, the minimum barrel aging period is six months.
    
3. Reserva: Selected from only the finest vintage years, these wines are at least three years old and have spent a minimum of one year in the barrel. White reservas require at least two years of aging, including six months in the barrel.
    
4. Gran Reserva: Chosen from the best vintage years, these wines are at least five years old, with a minimum of two years in the barrel. For white wines, the requirement is at least four years of age, with one year in the barrel.
    

The Denominación de Origen Calificada (D.O.C) is the board responsible for maintaining the high standards of Rioja wines. Established in 1970 as "The Regulations of the Designation of Origin and its Control Board," the organization has a clear structure and mandate: to uphold the Designation of Origin and to implement, monitor, and promote the quality of Rioja wines.

Explore the fascinating world of Rioja wines with Language Trips, where the timeless traditions of winemaking merge with innovative techniques to offer an unforgettable experience.