Rioja Red Blend
Rioja red wine is primarily composed of Tempranillo, which provides structure and fruity flavors like cherry and plum. Blends are typically finished with Garnacha for body, Graciano for acidity and floral notes, and Mazuelo (Carignan) for colour and tannins. The specific proportions can vary, with some wines being single-varietal or including minor amounts of other grapes like maturana tinta.
Grape composition
- Tempranillo: The dominant and most important grape, providing the wine's backbone with its structure, fruity flavours (like cherry and plum), and aging potential.
- Garnacha: Adds fruitiness and body, often contributing raspberry flavours.
- Graciano: A highly valued grape that adds structure, acidity, and perfume, even in small amounts.
- Mazuelo/Cariñena: Primarily used for its ability to add colour and tannins to the blend.
- Other varieties: A small percentage of Maturana Tinta is also used. In rare cases, a producer may have special permission to use Cabernet Sauvignon.
