Celebrate The Changing Season With Our Favourite Autumnal Wines From Rioja
After one of the hottest UK summers on record, we’re welcoming the return of autumn with open arms. Cue cosy nights in front of the fire bundled with blankets, a good book and a glass of wine in hand. Thankfully, we’ve found the perfect bottles to indulge in this autumn and they come from our favourite wine region, Rioja.
Located in the north of the country on the banks of the Ebro river and surrounded by the Sierra de Cantabria and Sierra de la Demanda mountain ranges, Rioja is Spain’s finest wine producing region. Spanning 66,250 hectares, it’s home to almost 600 wineries and 1.3 million oak barrels – the most to be found in any wine region in the world! Regarded as one of the world’s top wine tourism destinations and offering an exciting choice of food-friendly wines, it’s little wonder why Rioja Wine Month was coined, an annual month-long celebration of Rioja.
Taking place every year throughout October, retailers and restaurants across the UK shine a light on the region and drive awareness of Rioja wine. Celebrated through great food and brilliant wine, the quality and diversity of the wines from the gastronomic heartland of Spain is brought to life.
Rioja is renowned for its barrel aged reds but there are a variety of methods and styles to be enjoyed from this wine-rich region. From light, refreshing unoaked whites to vibrant rosados and mature reds, Rioja wines are modern yet still rooted in tradition. Each has excellent food pairing credentials, meaning they are just perfect for autumn dinner parties and Christmas festivities.
For those looking for autumn activities to book ahead, Rioja Wine Month offers wine lovers the chance to explore the region through mixed cases, bottles, tasting experiences, events and food pairing menus. Keep up to date on what’s going on in your local area here and follow @RiojaWine for updates on events taking place throughout Rioja Wine Month.
For now, to help you get into the spirit ahead of October, we’ve hand selected our favourite Riojas. Whether you’re celebrating in style, looking for a perfect gift or need a new wine to enjoy midweek, these are our favourites…
Fincas de Azabache Espumoso de Calidad Brut 2018, £19.99 – The Naked Grape Ltd
The perfect sparkling Rioja, this blend is fresh on the palate with a gentle bubble and subtle flavour. Expect fruity aromas of green apple citrus and floral characteristics with a refreshing acidity.
Bodegas Luis Cañas Rioja Blanco 2021, £12.99 – Flagship Wines
An unoaked white Rioja, this bottle offers a floral and fruity aroma combined with hazelnuts and citrus on the nose. It pairs well with seafood recipes, including a delicious crab and chilli linguine.
Orube Blanco 2018, £12.95 – Slurp
A modern and elegant white Rioja with tropical fruit flavours and subtle coffee notes from bagel ageing and hints of dried fruits and nuts. Extremely versatile and food friendly, this is the ideal choice for a variety of occasions.
Beronia Rioja Rose 2021, £10.00 – Ocado
A bright strawberry pink in colour, it’s full of aromas of red fruits including strawberry and redcurrant. Expect subtle floral hints too, helping to add a freshness. Pair this one with pizza and salads.
Palacios Remondo La Montesa Crianza 2018, £20 – Ocado
A juicy and luscious red Rioja with notes of crunchy summer forest fruits and orange peel that are complemented by Mediterranean herbal undertones. Sip this alongside a board of manchego and Iberico ham for the perfect autumn evening experience.
Viñedos del Contino Reserva 2017, £25 – Sainsbury’s
Viñedos del Contino only makes wines from hand selected grapes in the alluvial and limestone soils surrounding the winery. This one is complex with mature red fruit aromas with floral and balsamic notes. It’s the perfect pairing for grilled lamb cutlets and Moroccan spiced couscous.
Rioja Vega Gran Reserva 2011, £39.99 – House of Townend
Expect this one to be rich, bold and robust. It’s a deep cherry red in colour with fruity flavours, balsamic notes and a hint of spice. Serve with pan roasted venison for the ultimate autumnal roast.
Keep up to date on what’s going on in your local area here and follow @RiojaWine for updates on events taking place throughout Rioja Wine Month.
In partnership with Rioja Wine UK
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