Catavino - Latest Comments in How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

Matt — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:32:57 -0000

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

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

gabriellaopaz — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:52:54 -0000

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.

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

Ian — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:56:39 -0000

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.

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

Gabriella — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:50:35 -0000

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!

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

Gabriella — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:50:35 -0000

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!

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

John Housley — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:54:03 -0000

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

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

AllAboutAlavesa — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:14:36 -0000

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.

Re: How to Read a Rioja Wine Label

AllAboutAlavesa — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 08:14:36 -0000