Descending from the foothills of the Sierra del Moncayo in North East Spain is La Rioja - Spain's smallest region. It is an area renowned for its natural beauty and, of course, for its wines. Flanked by mountains to its north and south - and with the River Ebro running through it - La Rioja benefits from a unique microclimate. The land here is protected from cold winds and low temperatures, making it a very special place in which to grow vines. Indeed, the first thing you notice on entering the region is the uninterrupted view of vineyards that seem to spread across the rolling countryside.

Three distinct wine-growing areas exist in La Rioja. In the far east, and stretching across the regional border into Navarra, is Rioja Baja. This is the hottest and driest part of the region. The soils are also very fertile, making it a prime location in which to grow the Garnacha grape.

Coming westwards we find the Rioja Alavesa region. Here the climate is moderated by cooler breezes that descend from the mountains. The soils in Rioja Alavesa are of the calcareous clay variety and lend themselves well to producing the finest of La Rioja's red wines from the Tempranillo grape.

Rioja Alta is the third wine-growing area in La Rioja. The climate here is much cooler and wetter owing to its height and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The soil composition in Rioja Alta is similar to that of Rioja Baja. It is the climate though that has the biggest impact on wines from this area.

Visiting La Rioja Wineries

As you might very well imagine, La Rioja is packed full of wineries to visit. Logrono and Haro should top the list, but don't ignore the more rural areas. Visitors can expect a warm welcome at whichever winery is chosen.

Getting to La Rioja

Bilbao on the North Spanish coast is the nearest international airport to La Rioja. From there the region can be reached within a couple of hours. Closer in there are small domestic airports. Vitoria and Zaragoza are both served by the international airports at Madrid and Barcelona. Car hire can be booked in advance for pick up at any of these airports by visiting www.your-carhire.com

About the Author

Seb Jay is a freelance writer specializing in the origination of web content for http://www.your-carhire.com

A synopsis on Aging Wine.

La Rioja - Spain's Wine Capital


Descending from the foothills of the Sierra del Moncayo in North East Spain is La Rioja - Spain's smallest region. It is an area renowned for its natu...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Recommended Aging Wine Items

Chef Bottle Balance


The Butler Family. Each has his own specialty: Kneeling and Balancing each appear a bit tipsy but remarkably can present your wine with unfailing balance. Scribe keeps notes at the ready. Corkmaster comes with a corkscrew but also displays the stopper from that memorable vintage holds place cards business cards too. Butler/Chef perfectly balances one 750 ml. bottle at the proper angle. All crafted of poly resin.


Price: 19.95 USD



Current Aging Wine News

Pump Up Your Book Promotion January Authors on Tour - Day 19

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:00:15 -0800
Welcome to Day Nineteen of Pump Up Your Book Promotion’s January Authors on Virtual BookTour! Follow along as these talented authors travel the blogosphere all month long to talk about their books, their lives and their future projects. Leave a comment at their blog stops and you could win a FREE virtual book tour if you’re a published author with a recent release or a $50 Amazon gift certificate if you are not published. So, pick your favorites, follow their tours, and make sure you leave them

How to start your wine collection

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:28:05 -0800
Do you like wine, but don't know what's good, what's bad... what ages well... what to drink right away?Michael Masterson gives you the ins and outs of wine, a perfect guide for the "amateur" seeking to learn more and enjoy wine.

Get the Fine stuff from the Wine stuff

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 06:36:26 -0800
Resveratrol increases the activity of something called siRT1, a member of the “sirtuin” class of enzymes. This particular enzyme is called the “longevity enzyme,” and may have important anti-aging effects by reducing the development of new fat cells and boosting the metabolism or use of fat within existing fat cells.†

Is Resveratrol Our Fountain of Youth?

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:05:45 -0800
Scientists have identified a substance in red wine called Resveratrol that they believe may give us an extra decade or two of healthy old age.

Resveratrol Drink Red Wine Live Longer CBS 60min. Reports

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:21:45 -0800
Is this the latest anti-aging miracle? Resveratrol is a powerful anti-oxidant found in red wine that has anti-cancer and anti-aging benefits. It can also help prevent Alzheimer's disease. It may help you lose weight. Uncork some youth serum!


Wine Pairing
Wine Pairing

Labels: Wine Project | Wine Quotes

&type=page">