DISQUS

AllAboutAlavesa · 1 year ago

My favorite wines out of Rioja have quickly become the "High Expression" wines, or "Alta Expresion." While these do not have their own individual label as explained above (crianza, reserva, etc.) they will fall into one of these categories, generally the "Guarantee of Origin" classification. These Alta Expresion's are, for me, the most interesting wines coming out of Rioja today. They allow the bodegas to experiment with different blends and are an amazing example of what can be produced by fusing traditional Rioja methods with today's cutting edge technology used in many of the bodegas in Rioja. I believe that more and more these are the wines that we will be hearing about in the future when Rioja is mentioned.

AllAboutAlavesa · 1 year ago

My favorite wines out of Rioja have quickly become the "High Expression" wines, or "Alta Expresion." While these do not have their own individual label as explained above (crianza, reserva, etc.) they will fall into one of these categories, generally the "Guarantee of Origin" classification. These Alta Expresion's are, for me, the most interesting wines coming out of Rioja today. They allow the bodegas to experiment with different blends and are an amazing example of what can be produced by fusing traditional Rioja methods with today's cutting edge technology used in many of the bodegas in Rioja. I believe that more and more these are the wines that we will be hearing about in the future when Rioja is mentioned.

John Housley · 1 year ago

What do the different coloured labels on the back of bootles of Rioja signify

Gabriella · 1 year ago

Hey John,


I just uploaded a photo of the new image you'll see on a Rioja wine.



Green: Joven





Red: Crianza





Purple: Reserva





Blue: Gran Reserva



Thanks for the question!

Gabriella · 1 year ago

Hey John,

I just uploaded a photo of the new image you'll see on a Rioja wine.

Green: Joven
Red: Crianza
Purple: Reserva
Blue: Gran Reserva

Thanks for the question!

Ian · 1 year ago

What does the two character code on a Rioja certification label mean, eg my Camp Rioja bottle has a hologrammed label with a serial number, Crianza and the code RL. What does RL mean? One producer said the nearer to Z the better but I have never been able to verify or clarify this.

gabriellaopaz · 1 year ago

From my understanding, it's a batch number for the labels. The label only has a 5 digit numerical code, which requires the consejo to add letters as well. Therefore, whenever 10,000 bottles are labeled, they need to change the lettering/numbering for quality control and tracking purposes, in much the same way a serial code functions for your car. As for the hologram, it is intended to change to a funky "designer" hologram in October/November of 2009. What that exactly means? No idea, but when it comes out, we'll be sure to let you know ;-) I hope that helps.

Matt · 1 year ago

I really enjoy all types, but having only recently been converted to Rioja by a friend, I dont understand all the classifications, what they mean and therefor the types I like more than others. Can anyone recomend a good book on the history etc as I am really keen to learn more